Deer Collisions a Serious Problem in Autumn Months

10/14/2010

In many parts of the country, the fall months mean that motorists need to be more careful about wildlife collisions that can result in more auto insurance claims and potential injuries.

Specifically, deer tend to migrate in the fall months, resulting in more collisions with vehicle this time of year, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

"As our wildlife habitat continues to shrink, accidents with deer and other animals are likely to increase," said Loretta Worters, vice president of the III. "Drivers should stay alert and pay particular attention to the sides of the road, especially during the hours just before dusk and just before daylight."

While deer are smaller than some animals, such as moose, a collision at high speeds can still inflict major damage on an automobile and also possibly lead to serious injuries. To lower this risk, drivers are especially advised to pay close attention at night for wildlife on the road.

The III noted that there are about 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions each year in the U.S., which causes about 200 fatalities and $3.6 billion in auto insurance claims and other damages. In fact, the average auto insurance claim from a deer collision is said to be $3,100.

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