Deer-related crashes higher this time of year
Drivers are reminded of the higher risk for deer-related crashes in the fall and that insurance companies cannot add a surcharge to auto insurance premiums for such crashes, according to a joint release issued by Pa. Acting Insurance Commissioner
"Late fall and early winter is when drivers are most likely to have a deer-related crash, and dawn and dusk are peak times for deer activity," said Humphreys. "Auto collisions involving deer or other wildlife are considered a not-at-fault accident under
Pennsylvanians, according to
"Drivers can help reduce the possibility of a deer-related crash by slowing down and using caution, particularly in areas where deer crossing signs are posted," said Gramian. "It's also important to educate young or inexperienced drivers on increased deer movement. Most importantly, your best defense in a crash is your seat belt. Always buckle up, every trip, every time."
Drivers should be aware of the following tips from the
Stay alert and pay attention to road signs while driving. Areas with high levels of deer activity will often have yellow, diamond-shaped signs with an image of a deer.
Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Generally, the light reflecting off their eyes will reveal their location and flicking your high beams will often cause the animal to scurry away.
Deer rarely travel alone; if one is seen, there are likely more, so slow down and watch for other deer to appear.
Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don't know which way to run and can also put your car in the path of oncoming vehicles, so resist the urge to swerve. Instead, stay in your lane with both hands firmly on the wheel.
If the crash is imminent, drivers should remove their foot from the brake. During hard braking, the front end of a vehicle is pulled downward which can cause the animal to travel up over the hood toward the windshield. Letting off the brake can protect drivers from windshield strikes because the animal is more likely to be pushed to one side of the vehicle or over the top of the vehicle.
Always wear a seat belt. The chances of being injured when hitting an animal are much higher if the driver is not wearing a seatbelt.
"First and foremost, slow down. When you travel at a high speed, you reduce the time you have to identify the situation and respond to avoid the animal on the roadway," said Evanchick. "If you are one of the many drivers who hit a deer, don't panic. Immediately pull over to a safe area and assess the situation. If there are any injuries, your vehicle needs to be towed, or the roadway is blocked; contact 911 immediately."
In
Drivers involved in any crash with another vehicle are required to exchange license and insurance information with involved parties and render aid when necessary, according to the release.
To report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads, call the
Consumers with questions about auto insurance may contact the
AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio Expands Provider Network Across State
The Modern Medicare Agency Offers Expert Advice on Medicare Plans
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News