AAA Oklahoma’s tips to avoid vehicle-deer crashes

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – It’s that time of the season to fear the deer, says American Automobile Association Oklahoma (AAA). As the month of September comes to a close in under a week AAA is asking drivers to be mindful that October – December marks deer-mating season.

According to AAA, the average animal strike insurance claim in Oklahoma is in excess of $6,500 with 1.5 million people reporting deer-related crashes in the United States each year.

“Safety is priority one, so first and foremost, AAA encourages motorists to adjust their driving
behaviors to prevent a deer collision. Repairs for crashes involving animals are covered by comprehensive insurance, so drivers should talk to their insurer to understand and, if necessary, adjust their coverage as even minor collisions will likely lead to a major expense.”

Rylie Fletcher, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says, although most deer strikes did not cause serious injury from 2013-2022, almost 1,900 people were killed involving animals with 53 represented in Oklahoma.

AAA says, drivers should remain alert and look for deer during the morning and evening hours
when animals are most active and likely to dart into the road.

“Deer can be unpredictable, so even the best drivers are at risk,” Fletcher added.
“In addition to the inconvenience of having your vehicle damaged and possibly unavailable
to you for a time because of a deer collision, the cost of repairs may put a serious dent in
your wallet if you don’t have a comprehensive insurance policy with adequate coverage.”

AAA Tips to Avoid an Animal Collision:

• Keep your eyes moving back and forth: Continuously sweep your eyes across the road for signs of animals. While the most likely accident is caused by an animal darting in front of you, one might also run into the side of your car.
• Be especially attentive in early morning and evening: Many animals, especially deer, are most active during prime commuting hours – roughly 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.
• Know where deer may be near : Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces such as parks or golf courses and near water such as streams or ponds. Deer crossing signs indicate where high levels of deer/vehicle crashes have occurred in the past.
• At night, use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic: Your bright lights can help you spot animals sooner. The light reflecting off their eyes may also reveal their location.
• Watch for other deer to appear: Deer rarely travel alone, so if you see one, there are likely to be one or more nearby.
• Honk your horn with one long blast: A long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.
• Don’t veer for deer: If an animal is in your path, stay in your lane. Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don’t know which way to run. It can also put you in the path of oncoming vehicles or cause you to crash into objects on the side of the road.
• Always wear a seatbelt : According to the Insurance Information Institute, the chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on.

In the event of a collision with an animal, Insurance at AAA recommends:

• If possible, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location out of the roadway. Your safety and the safety of your passengers are most important.
• Once you are in a safe location and no longer driving, call the police.
• Put the vehicle’s hazard lights on, whether it is light or dark outside.
• Avoid making contact with the deer/animal. A frightened or wounded animal can hurt you or further injure itself.
• Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to report any damage to your car.
• Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely and without entering the roadway.

For more information about AAA click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.