3 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Deer cause more vehicular deaths than any other animal in the United States. Imagine hitting an animal that weighs 125 to 300 lbs. and stands 3.5 feet at the shoulder while driving at a high rate of speed. You will kill the deer, but maybe not instantly. Either the carcass or the injured animal can be thrown through the windshield where, if alive and panicked, it can inflict fatal injuries with its razor sharp hooves and antlers.

Approximately 2% of collisions involving a deer result in human death, about 200 people each year. However, approximately 29,000 people are injured annually in these accidents, filing insurance claims of upwards to $1.5 billion. If the human is on a motorcycle, the fatality rate jumps to 85%. The average damage to a car is $2,800. Multiple that by the 1.7 million reported collisions and factor in the 2 million that are unreported and the figures are significant.

Swerving to avoid striking the animals causes 50% of the accidents involving deer. The results are generally tragic. In January 27, 2008, Michael Betts, Jr. (37) swerved to avoid striking several deer with his minivan on Interstate 80 near Odessa, Nebraska. Betts did strike one animal, was rear-ended by a truck pulling a trailer, and flipped into the bar ditch. Two children traveling with Betts, a 14-year-old and a 4-year-old, were killed.

The most dangerous months for deer-related accidents are October through December when, in some areas, the chance of hitting a deer are 1 in 3. When driving in an area heavily populated with deer, remember:

- The animals are most active early in the morning and during the evening.

- Drive with your high beam headlights and monitor the side of the road for movement and deer eyes reflecting lights from the road.

- Assume that if one deer crosses the road, others will follow.

- If you see a deer, slow the vehicle gradually. Do not swerve. The sudden change in the sound of your engine or direction of your car will panic the deer and cause it to bolt.

- Wear your seat belt.

- When a collision is inevitable, hold the car steady and make the hit as direct as possible.

When you do hit a deer and you have stopped to assess the damage:

- Do not approach the animal or touch it. A wounded deer is extremely dangerous.

- Pull off on the shoulder and turn on the hazards.

- Call the police if the carcass presents a danger to other drivers or if the wounded animal must be destroyed.

Various devices do exist that claim they can frighten deer away from moving vehicles. Nothing, however, can take the place of good driving habits and simple vigilance, especially during hunting season and at the most dangerous times of day - morning and evening.

Learn more about this author, Rana Williamson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for avoiding collisions with deer when driving?
We want to hear your view. Write now!