Hi Friends: Kooper wanted to send a seasonal message. The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to cool down. You know what that means…the silly deer are getting ready for mating season. Every year in the early-mid Fall, the mature does go into season and the bucks come-a-runnin’. These deer when chasing or being chased are only focused on one thing. The have been known to run straight into oncoming traffic during “courtship”.
Here’s a few fun (and not so fun) facts about deer crossings.
South Carolina ranks 11 in the country for annual deer-vehicle collision, and drivers have a 1 in 98 likelihood of having a collision with a deer, elk or moose.
Nationally drivers have a 1 in 167 chance, however, those odds double in the fall. November, October and December have the highest amount of claims.
You can’t always avoid deer, but here’s what you can do:
Use extra caution and slow-down in known deer zones
Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate
Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see a deer
Always wear your seatbelt
Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer
After-crash tips:
Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
Call police: If a deer is blocking traffic, it could be creating a threat for other drivers.
Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage.
Avoid the animal: A frightened, wounded deer could use its legs and hooves to harm you.
Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim.
Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazards.
National statistics of interest:
For the 12th year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of states where a collision is most likely, followed by Montana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Iowa
Hawaii was at the bottom of the list for the 12th year.
The bottom line is BE AWARE and BE CAREFUL. These animals can be very dangerous, can cause serious property damage and can be harmful. Just enjoy their natural beauty and this time of common sightings.
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