COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fall is a time for cooler weather, football and increased risk of deer-car collisions. With deer entering their peak active season, Grange Insurance offers five tips on avoiding hitting one on the road.
As deer populations increase and urban areas continue to spread into rural landscapes, deer-vehicle collisions have risen. Grange urges drivers to use extra caution from October through December, peak deer migration and mating season.
"Deer are active during the fall months, often wandering onto roadways, increasing the risk of accidents," said Matt Cavanaugh, AVP product development for Grange Insurance. "A deer collision can not only cause significant damage to your vehicle—costing thousands to repair—but also result in serious injuries to anyone in the car."
To help prevent accidents and minimize damage in the event of a collision, Grange Insurance recommends the following safety tips:
- Stay alert — Keep your eyes on and around the road, especially in deer-crossing areas. Look for reflecting eyes and remember, deer don’t travel alone. If you see one, there are most likely others nearby
- Use high-beam headlights — If it’s nighttime and there’s no oncoming traffic, turn your brights on. Not only will you be able to see better, but the light will illuminate the deer’s reflective eyes
- Take extra caution at dawn and dusk — Sunrise and sunset are the riskiest times of day for deer collisions. Be more cautious when driving during these hours
- Honk your horn — Many items, like deer whistles, are sold to prevent collisions, but there hasn’t been any proof that they actually repel deer. Ditch the whistle and lay on your horn to scare the deer
- Don’t swerve — your first instinct may be to swerve – don’t. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. There may be more severe consequences if you hit another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or utility pole
Cavanaugh recommends drivers have comprehensive auto insurance to cover damages from unexpected incidents like collisions with deer, which are not covered by standard collision insurance. “Comprehensive insurance typically covers non-collision-related damages, such as those caused by animals, natural disasters or theft,” added Cavanaugh. Contact a Grange independent agent to learn more.
Find more insurance tips and resources at grangeinsurance.com/tips.
About Grange Insurance
Grange Insurance Company, with $3.2 billion in assets and more than $1.5 billion in annual revenue, is an insurance provider founded in 1935 and based in Columbus, Ohio. Through its network of independent agents, Grange offers auto, home and business insurance protection. Grange Insurance Company and its affiliates serve policyholders in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Learn more at grangeinsurance.com.
Editor’s note: Attached is an infographic from Grange Insurance: Deer on the road? Here’s what to do.
