HOW TO AVOID DEER CRASHES
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deer account for roughly 1.5 million vehicle crashes in the U.S. each year, killing about 150 motorist, injuring tens of thousands more and racking up more than $1 billion in insurance costs. As the deer population continues to climb, so do your chances of hitting one -- especially if you drive in rural areas between dusk and dawn. The expansion of developments encroaching upon rural and traditional wildlife territories have also lead to the dramatic increase in animal/vehicle collisions.
You can significantly reduce your risk of dangerous encounters by heeding these tips:
Step1
Stay alert. Always watch for deer, especially from dusk to midnight, before and after dawn and particularly on two-lane roads. Eighty percent of all deer-car crashes occur on two-lane roads during these times when deer are most active.
Step2
Be extra vigilant in the fall. While deer crashes can occur at any time of the year, October, November and December see a huge spike in the number of deer-car crashes because of deer migration and the mating season.
Step3
If you see only a single deer, remember that deer seldom travel alone. Assume that other deer are nearby. Watch for the reflection of their eyes and their silhouettes along the shoulder of the road.
Step4
Heed deer-crossing zones. They are a first alert that you are entering known deer country. Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic to see as far ahead down the road as you can and observe the speed limit.
Step5
If you see a deer stepping in or near your path, brake firmly but stay in your lane. Blast your horn to encourage the animal to move on. Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Rolling over your car or crashing into another vehicle or a stationary object can be more dangerous than hitting the deer.
Step6
If hitting the deer is unavoidable, slow down and grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Take your foot off the brake at the moment of impact to allow the front end of your vehicle to lift up and enable the deer to go under your car--instead of through your windshield.
Step7
If you hit a deer, immediately report the accident to the police. If the deer is injured, don't try to touch or help it. A frightened and wounded deer may hurt you and further injure itself.
Now with all those tips in mind there is another great device that is a good $5 purchase I HIGHLY recommend you consider putting on ALL your vehicles not just the ones you think you will encounter a deer in... Put it on your car, your spouses car, your mom's car, your teens car for sure, as cheap as they are you can't go wrong!
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| Deer Whistles |
These guys are inexpensive and can be found most anywhere, big box stores, auto stores, all your local -- mart & bullseye stores etc... Two come in a package and they are easily affixed to the front end of your car. I actually affixed mine to my grill on both my Durango and my Yukon however on my truck they had to go along the front bumper and on my daughters Mustang they are in the same location.
Now for the fun!!! I am giving away a set of deer whistles!!!! All you have to do to enter is make a comment on this post! Only one entry per person and via comment below by midnight on Thursday 10/20! I am a firm beliver in these little suckers it cut our severe animal strikes at my previous employer nearly by 90%..
Stay warm (it is a chilly here today in Oklahoma) and stay safe peeps!
Get to commenting below I will announce the winner on Friday October 21st!
