Animal and Vehicle Collisions

Thank you to Brian Cheetham, sales executive with Travelers, for the following tips about collisions with deer. I wanted to share this with you as we all prepare for the winter months.

“December is the third most likely month for a crash involving a deer and a vehicle. Collisions with deer and other large animals can cause significant damage to vehicles, injuries to the driver and passengers, and suffering to the animal.

Here are some proactive driving tips to help you avoid hitting a large animal and to limit or avoid damage to your vehicle:

• Deer collisions typically happen from sunset to midnight and in the hours before and after sunrise. Be especially alert during these times.

• Drive carefully through areas with high deer populations and deer-crossing zones. Deer typically travel in numbers, so where you see one, there are likely others.

• When traveling at night, use your high beams whenever possible.

• If you see deer, slow down and blow your horn to frighten them away. Stay in your lane and brake firmly. Many deer-related accidents are caused by one car hitting another while attempting to avoid an animal.

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Do not rely on deer whistles to repel deer.”