October through December are peak times for deer- and elk-related vehicle accidents. While deer- and elk-related accidents can occur any time during the year, with 2.1 million animal collisions reported in the US in 2021, the likelihood of colliding with one during the autumn months more than doubles due to deer mating season. Utahans face a 1 in 150 chance of a deer-related vehicular incident. As temperatures continue to drop, deer and elk movement will become more frequent as they migrate closer to roads and residential areas where they forage for more accessible food.
In order to stay safe while traveling, there are a number of tips that can be followed:
Keep your eyes on the road. It might sound obvious, but this basic rule is essential to safety. Keeping your eyes on the road can also help scan for animals ahead. Most animal collisions occur in the front of the car, so looking ahead down the road will help avoid a collision. Pay attention to posted animal crossing signs; these are placed in areas known for high deer or elk traffic. Remain alert, however — they may appear anywhere, and are known to wander into suburban neighborhoods in search of food.
Be especially attentive during commuting hours. Deer are the most active between 5-8 am, and 5-8 pm. Although deer can be active any time of the day, the majority of deer-related car accidents occur during dawn and dusk hours, especially during their October – December mating season.
Use high beam headlights. Nighttime driving can put a strain on the eyes. High beams are recommended for use at night and can help widen your range of visibility. If there is no oncoming traffic, turn on your high beams — you’ll be able to see clearer, and have a greater chance of spotting a deer from a distance. If you see an animal far ahead, flick the high beams on and off multiple times. Deer tend to fixate on headlights, so flashing them may cause the animal to scurry away. Ensure that you dim your headlights when there’s oncoming traffic; high beam headlights can lower visibility for drivers facing the lights. Additionally, you can drive safer by driving at a moderate speed during nighttime hours.
Where there is one deer, there are likely more. Deer tend to travel in herds. Even if you spot a deer on the side of the road or in surrounding areas, there could be others about to cross your path. If you spot a deer, make sure there aren’t others nearby that could collide with your vehicle by honking the horn to scare animals away.
Brake firmly and stay in your lane. If colliding with an animal is imminent, it’s safer to brake firmly and stay in your lane than it is to swerve. If you think you have time to avoid hitting an animal, reduce speed, tap the brakes to warn drivers behind you, and sound your horn. If there’s no vehicle close behind you, break hard. If a collision seems inevitable, don’t veer off to avoid the animal. Swerving can result in a worse collision with another vehicle, including oncoming traffic, an object on the side of the road, or can cause your vehicle to roll. Stay in your lane, even if it means you will it the animal. The consequences of swerving can be far more dangerous, or even fatal.
Always wear a seatbelt. Most injuries in animal collisions are a result of not wearing a seatbelt. One of the easiest ways to avoid injury if you do hit a deer is to make sure your seatbelt is properly buckled. Additionally, obey the speed limit and practice defensive driving tactics.
Consider Protective Equipment. Some members have outfitted vehicles with protective equipment such as cattle guards. While protective equipment adds additional capital cost to the vehicle, many types of protective equipment can be removed and reinstalled when vehicles are replaced. Protective equipment can significantly decreases the cost of damage to the vehicle, reduces the risk of having the vehicle inoperable for extended periods and more importantly provides extra protection for the employee driving the vehicle.
If you hit a deer or elk, move your vehicle to a safe place if possible. Pull over to the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights. Do not approach wounded animals. Wounded animals can be unpredictable and may cause injury if approached. Call the police or animal control if a wounded animal is blocking traffic. If the collision results in injury or property damage, you will need to fill out an official report. This can prove useful when filing your claim with UCIP. Document the incident by taking photos of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained. Plenty of photos will help make your claim easier to process. If witnesses stop, take down their account of what occurred, and ask for their contact information. Utilize the UCIP Accident Reporting Kit. Don’t assume the vehicle is safe to drive. Double-check that your car is drivable after colliding with a deer. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won’t latch and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow.
Sources: KSL | State Farm | Nationwide | UCIP