Michael A. Schafer Blog

Auto Accidents

10/22/2008
Mike Schafer
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Deer Season Can Cause More Automobile Accidents

The months of October through December can be even more hazardous on the road due to deer season. In Kentucky 2007 almost 2,800 traffic accidents involved deer. Of those near 2,800 crashes 76 resulted in injuries and three were fatal. Nationally each year these accidents kill around 150 people, injure thousands and cause over a billion dollars in vehicle damage.

During this time deer are on the move for several reasons. It is mating season, hunting season and there are more hikers in the woods. The Kentucky State Police have offered several tips for motorists to avoid hitting deer:

    * Be extra cautious in the early morning and evening hours. Deer are most active during these low-light periods when humans see worst and reaction time is slow.
    * Stay alert when driving through a known deer-crossing zone. If you see one deer, look for more. They often travel in herds.
    * Drive at a moderate speed, especially on roads bordering woodlands, parklands, golf courses and streams. However, remember that many deer crashes occur on busy highways near cities.
    * Use high beam headlights if there is no oncoming traffic. High beams will reflect in the eyes of deer on or near the roadway, providing increased driver reaction time.
    * Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve---this could confuse the deer about where to run. It could also cause you to lose control of your vehicle. It is generally safer to hit the deer than leave your lane, risking injury to passengers and other motorists.
    * Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with blinding headlights, loud horns and fast-moving vehicles. Don't expect them to stay where they are. They can dart in front of you at the last moment, stop in the middle of the road, cross quickly and return to the road or even move toward an approaching vehicle.
    * Deer whistles on cars provide little help and blowing the car horn doesn't always solve the problem. Blowing the horn may cause them to move, but not necessarily in the direction you want.
    * Always wear your safety belt. Historically, most people injured or killed in deer/auto collisions were not properly restrained.

As always being alert and attentive when you are driving can reduce your chances of getting into a crash on the road. If you do hit a deer and are injured your medical bills are covered under your Personal Injury Protection or No-Fault Benefits. For more information on Louisville, Kentucky personal injury attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.