Watching deer of their pure habitat might be an pleasing, peaceable expertise. However encountering one on a roadway? That’s a unique story.
If it’s occurred to you… you’re not alone. Greater than 1.5 million drivers are concerned in deer collisions every year, in line with the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration, inflicting almost $1 billion in car injury. (Find out how auto insurance coverage will help you in the event you hit a deer.)
We’ve already shared recommendations on how toavoid hitting a deer if one jumps in entrance of your automobile. However what about these frequent bits of folklore that everybody appears to have heard about deer collisions? Is there any fact to these?
6 Widespread Myths About Deer
Delusion: Deer are extra lively at dawn and sundown.
Standing: True.
Whereas deer can—and do—cross the highway in any respect hours of the day, nightfall and daybreak are their peak hours of exercise. Deer are “crepuscular” animals. That’s a elaborate means of claiming they transfer probably the most throughout twilight. So in the event you’re driving because the solar is rising or coming residence from work at nightfall… be particularly cautious.
Delusion: You’re extra more likely to hit a deer within the fall.
Standing: True.
Practically half of all deer/car collisions occur between October and December. Not coincidentally, deer mating season and peak looking days additionally fall between these months. As deer are working from hunters or on the lookout for a mate… odds are they’ll cross a highway someplace in between. They’re simply one in every of 4 fall driving hazards we deal with in one other weblog story.
Delusion: Deer whistles can forestall collisions.
Standing: False.
Deer whistles connect to your car and are mentioned to emit a frequency that alerts deer of your presence and ship them working away. Regardless of anecdotal proof – all of us in all probability know somebody who swears by their deer whistle! – no credible examine has confirmed them to be efficient. One analysis examine on the College of Georgia discovered that irrespective of how loud or high-pitched the whistle, the sound isn’t sufficient to change the deer’s conduct. Tried-and-tested expertise like crash avoidance options would possibly provide you with extra (or… much less?) bang in your buck.
Delusion: Hitting a deer isn’t that harmful.
Standing: False.
No person desires to face the restore prices of a deer collision. However in lots of situations, these crashes trigger extra than simply inconvenience. In 2016, the IIHS recorded 189 deaths from collisions with animals. It’s vital to notice that probably the most severe accidents happen when a car leaves the roadway—so know when to swerve, and when to remain in your lane.
Associated: When is a automobile thought of totaled… and what occurs when it’s?
Delusion: Extra deer are current at “deer crossing” indicators.
Standing: True.
In case you encounter a deer crossing signal, it’s there for a purpose. Indicators are put in in areas with excessive deer populations and a historical past of deer collisions. Extra elements that may result in crashes, similar to highway situations and visibility, additionally inform the place deer crossing indicators are positioned. (And earlier than anybody asks: The indicators, after all, are for individuals to learn… not the deer.)
Delusion: If I hit a deer, I can take residence the meat.
Standing: It relies upon.
If in case you have a style for venison, you might be tempted to make the very best of an unlucky state of affairs by taking the unfortunate animal residence with you. However first, test with the authorities – it’s normally the physique that regulates looking in your state, such because the Recreation Fee or the Fish and Wildlife Division. (Right here’s a useful checklist, organized by state.) In some states you’re free to take the animal, however not earlier than submitting a police report or making use of for a particular allow or tag. In different states, it’s downright unlawful.
Does My Auto Insurance coverage Cowl Hitting a Deer?
Deer-vehicle collisions are lined underneath the excellent portion of your auto insurance coverage, which is an non-obligatory protection you may select so as to add on. (Study extra about understanding your auto coverage.) An insurance coverage skilled like a neighborhood Erie Insurance coverage agent will help you customise an auto insurance coverage package deal that matches your wants and finances. Discover a native agent in your neighborhood or get a free on-line quote.