According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over the last four years, the frequency of deer-vehicle collisions have increased more than 20%.

Steps to take to avoid deer collisions:

• Watch for wildlife and reduce your speed while driving through areas near fields and forests, particularly at dawn or dusk.
• If a deer is caught in your headlights and if you can do so safely, turn your headlights on and back up.
• Try long horn blasts to frighten the animal off the road (this also works for any other animal).
• When braking, apply them firmly and maintain your path of travel. It may seem that swerving makes sense, but the maneuver will either confuse a deer, or cause a loss of vehicle control and a collision with an off-road object or another vehicle.
• Deer do not travel alone, so expect more whenever you see one.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Avoid distractions that take your eyes off the road.

Deer entering roadways may happen at any time, but dawn and dusk are the most likely periods. The chance for a deer collision is much greater from October through December because of deer mating and hunting seasons.

If you do hit a deer, try to get your vehicle off the road and do not approach or touch an injured deer. It is safer to call for emergency assistance.

If I hit a deer, am I covered by insurance?

To be covered, you must have comprehensive insurance on your car. This covers damage caused to your vehicle by an “act of God”, such as fire, theft, vandalism, earthquake, hail, or hitting a deer. Comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible.