As deer season arrives, the likelihood of encountering deer on the road increases significantly, especially during the fall months. Safeguard yourself and your vehicle with these essential tips from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center:
1. Exercise Caution during Dusk and Dawn Deer are most active during sunrise and sunset, particularly during their mating season from October through December. Stay vigilant while driving during these times, and ensure everyone in the vehicle wears seat belts, even passengers in the back seat, in case of sudden stops.
2. Heed Deer Crossing Signs Remain alert and watchful for wildlife signs while driving. While deer are commonly found in forested regions, they may venture into suburban areas in search of food. Drive cautiously even outside designated deer-crossing zones.
3. Stay Vigilant upon Deer Sightings Deer often travel in groups, so if you spot one, reduce speed and proceed cautiously. Be mindful that where there's one deer, there may be more preparing to cross the road.
4. Exercise Caution at Night Night driving strains visibility, increasing the risk of deer encounters. Maintain a moderate speed and, when traffic permits, switch to high beams for enhanced visibility. This not only improves your ability to see but also increases the chance of spotting deer from a distance.
5. Avoid Swerving Resist the urge to swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Swerving can lead to more severe collisions with other vehicles or running off the road. Stay in your lane and focus on safely slowing down.
6. Ensure Comprehensive Car Insurance Standard car insurance may not cover damages resulting from non-collision incidents like deer collisions. Opt for comprehensive car insurance to receive additional coverage for accidents involving animals, providing extra protection for your vehicle.
7. Report Collisions In the event of a deer-vehicle collision, promptly contact local authorities and your insurance provider to file a claim and document the incident.
Now equipped with these strategies to minimize deer-related car accidents, prioritize safety on the road. Explore our safe driving tips for further guidance on staying safe behind the wheel.
Related
- Car Insurance : Applying For Car Insurance Made Easy
- Insurance Companies : Top 10 In Nigeria
- Unlock Your Driving Journey: How to Get a Driver's License in Nigeria
- Life Insurance for Seniors: 5 Options