Deer season presents hazards

Deer migration and mating season generally runs from October through December and causes a dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population.

As a result, more deer-vehicle collisions occur in this period than at any other time of year, so drivers need to be especially cautious, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that there are more than 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions each year, resulting in more than $3.6 billion in vehicle damage.

An additional billion dollars is spent on medical payments for injuries in the car and out-of-pocket expenses paid by vehicle owners, bringing the total cost to approximately $4.6 billion.

The average claim for deer-vehicle collisions is $3,000, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage.

Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that vehicle-animal collisions are responsible for an annual average of 155 occupant deaths, and three out of four of these involve deer. These collisions also account for tens of thousands of injuries each year, according to the National Safety Council.

Not only is urban sprawl displacing deer from their natural habitat, but the deer population is also growing.

Many of these deer find their way onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods, especially during deer season.

Many states experience more deer collisions than others.

According to a study of annual claim statistics, the states with the highest number of accidents involving deer from 2005-06 were Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, Minnesota, Texas, Indiana and South Carolina.

Fortunately, There are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision.

The following facts can be helpful in avoiding deer-related collisions:

* Deer are not just found on rural roads near wooded areas. Many deer crashes occur on busy highways near cities,

* Deer are unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart into traffic, and

* Deer often move in groups. If you see one, there are likely to be more in the vicinity.

When driving, the I.I.I. recommends taking the following precautions:

* Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland,

* Always wear you seatbelt. IIHS reports that in a study of fatal animal crashes, 60 percent of people killed were not wearing a seatbelt. Sixty-five percent of people killed riding motorcycles were not wearing a helmet,

* When driving at night, use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway,

* Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before or after sunrise. These are the highest-risk times for deer-vehicle collisions,

* Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars, and

* Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven effective.

In the event your vehicle strikes a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself, warned the I.I.I. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you call the police immediately.

Contact your insurance agent or company representative as quickly as possible to report any damage to your car. Collision with a deer or other animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of your automobile policy.