How to Prevent Car Accidents With Deer
Autumn is fully underway in the US. And this couldn’t be a better time to deer-proof your car. After all, this is the time of year when car accidents with deer are most likely to come to the cities and back roads.
What’s more is that deer are responsible for more human fatalities than any other animal in the US—including sharks and snakes. The main reason for this is car accidents with deer. So here are some tips to prevent you from becoming a statistic.
Surprisingly, you can avoid most deer car accidents through basic car maintenance. And best of all, most of these fixes only take a few minutes of your time. Who could argue with making their car safer in the time it takes to watch an episode of Seinfeld? If you’re on board, here are a few things to check.
Clean, Clear, and Bright Headlights
Deer are nocturnal creatures. As such, they’re most likely to come out on the roads in the dawn, dusk, and evenings. In other words, you’re most likely to have a car accident with deer when natural lighting isn’t at its best. So it’s up to your car’s lights to help you out here.
One way to prevent car accidents involving deer is to make sure headlights are clean and functional. High beams are especially useful here. They are the perfect tool for creating a glittery reflection in the eyes of deer sitting to the side of the road. Upon seeing this, you’ll know to slow down and expect anything.
Brakes and Tires
Rule #1 when you spot a deer in the road: BRAKE! DON’T SWERVE!! This is hands down the safest way to prevent car accidents with deer. So if you have worn brakes that let out those annoying squeals when you come to a stop, it’s time to get some new ones. When a deer comes along, you’ll need your car to stop as soon as possible! For more on when to change your brakes, give this article a read.
The other important note here is your tires. They’ll need enough tread to reliably stop your car. Also, you won’t always spot deer on nicely paved roads. Life simply isn’t that convenient. So make sure your tires can grip to any terrain you’ll drive across in the fall. Therefore, if your tires are looking worn, don’t delay buying a new set of wheels.
Honk Your Horn
It turns out your car’s horn serves a greater purpose then honking at idiots who cut you off without a turn signal. Instead, your horn works as a reliable tool for preventing car accidents with deer out of the road. As such, you’ll need to ensure your car horn works properly. So, when you spot a deer, slam on your brakes and lay on the horn!
Buckle Up
Does this even need a special section? Sure, a seat belt might not stop a deer collision. But it does a fantastic job of keeping you safe in the instance of a car accident with deer. And really, you should use it at all times as is. But nonetheless, make sure you’re wearing one when driving on back roads during the evening.
Deer Whistle
This one’s last on this list for a reason: It’s not a substitute for any of the above. But every little bit helps. In addition, these little plastic whistles emit high-pitched sounds, which aid in scaring deer away from your car and preventing car accidents involving deer.
What Are the Stats of Deer-Related Crashes?
Annually, deer cause some hefty and expensive damages related to car crashes. To give you an idea, here are some stats from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As you can see, a deer-related crash quickly becomes expensive—if not dangerous. So it’s super important to prep your car for any wildlife it may encounter on the roads.
What to Do if You Hit a Deer?
Sadly, nothing in this world is foolproof. So there’s always the off chance you could hit a deer. If that happens, here’s what to do:
- Move your vehicle to a safe place.
- Call the police.
- Document the incident. Take photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained.
- Stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer can cause serious harm with antlers or legs.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Follow the steps above, and you’ll have all you need to prevent a deer-related accident. If you need any help with the above, search your car in our parts section; we’ll help you find everything your car needs to avoid these wildlife-collisions at the lowest price possible.