Tis the season for increased vehicle-deer crashes

Deer can be spotted near roadways any time of the year, but drivers should be especially vigilant in the fall.

AAA is reminding drivers that October through December marks deer-mating season, so the animals are more active and more likely to dart into the road, increasing the risk of a costly and potentially deadly collision.

Roughly 1.5 million deer-related vehicle collisions happen in the United States each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

While the vast majority of deer strikes do not involve serious injury, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in the 10-year period from 2013-22, almost 1,900 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving animals, including 11 in Maryland and 37 in Virginia.

“Across Maryland, deer have become much more noticeable along roadways and residential streets, leading to an increase in deer strikes,” said Ragina Ali, spokeswoman for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C. “With that in mind, AAA is urging drivers to drive defensively and remain alert behind the wheel, especially at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.”

Crashes involving deer can pose great risk to drivers, but even a crash without injuries can be costly. According to the Insurance Agency at AAA, the average claim in Maryland for an animal strike in 2023 for its policy-holders was $5,957.

While there are multiple factors that impact the average insurance claim, new vehicle technology, including cameras and sensors that may be in the windshield, bumper or rearview mirrors, play a significant role in repair costs.

“Repairs for crashes involving animals are covered by comprehensive insurance, so drivers should talk with their insurer to understand and, if necessary, adjust their coverage as even minor collisions will likely lead to a major expense,” said Ali.

“Deer can be unpredictable, so even the best drivers are at risk,” Ali 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 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
• Know where deer might 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.

More about deer: Deer management hunt to take place at National Conservation Training Center

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Tis the season for increased vehicle-deer crashes