"I'VE HIT A DEER WITH MY CAR! WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?”

Picture
This is unfortunately a common phrase, especially in some parts of the United States.
 
Every year, deer collisions take place all across the country and are more likely during the hours around dawn and dusk. They have increased in recent decades, thanks to a combination of growing deer populations, shrinking habitat, and increasing suburban development, all of which make the chances of hitting a deer even more likely.
 
No matter where or when you hit a deer, you may have questions about the best way to respond. Learn what you should do (and not do) if you strike a deer with your car.
 
1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Spot
 
After you hit a deer, find a safe spot by the side of the road and move your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights so you're visible to other motorists, and be sure that you're out of the path of traffic from both directions. If it’s foggy with low visibility, leave your lights on, but don’t turn on your hazard lights while parked. Once you're safely parked, ensure that you or your passengers haven't sustained any injuries.
 
2. Call the Police
 
While it might be tempting to immediately jump out and check on the deer or see if there's damage to your car, resist the urge. Stay in the vehicle with flashers on while safely parked off the roadway. Call the police and let them know you've hit a deer. The 911 dispatcher will alert the proper law enforcement authorities to assist you. Be sure to let the dispatcher know if the deer is blocking traffic or poses a potential threat to other drivers. Remember, laws about accident reporting vary from state to state, so don't skip this important phone call.
 
3. Document the Situation
 
If you can safely leave the car, take pictures to document the scene. Snap photos of:
Damage to your car such as loose parts, leaking fluid, broken lights, or tire damage.
The roadway and surroundings (including the deer) where the accident took place.
Injuries sustained by yourself or your passengers.
 
If any witnesses are on the scene, get their contact information and document their impression of the incident.
 
4. Don't Touch the Deer
 
Don't attempt to move the deer. Deer are strong and even an injured deer can have a powerful kick. Wait for the police to arrive.
 
5. Call Your Insurance Agent
 
Once you've filled out the police report, give your local insurance agent a call. They'll explain your options and coverage.
 
 
When driving, keep in mind that deer tend to be most active around dawn and dusk during the fall, and drive with extra caution during these times.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Don’t be the next cyber security statistic!

Image
  By prioritizing cybersecurity, organizations can mitigate the risk of data breaches, financial losses and reputational damage. Whether you're an individual or an organization, understanding the importance of cybersecurity is fundamental to navigating the threat landscape safely and securely. The increased connectivity of the digital world means greater security vulnerabilities and cyber risk. Remote and hybrid work arrangements, increasingly sophisticated attackers, creative social engineering, and a rise in the number of passwords people use have all contributed to more cyber attacks. The results can be costly. Organizations that are ill-prepared or lacking in security and risk protocols will find themselves paying a hefty price both in reputation and financial loss.   While it’s nearly impossible to prevent all cyber attacks, your organization can reduce cyber risk by ensuring it’s prepared for the most common types of attacks.  The most common types of risk...
Read more
Image
  The month of April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Because it involves cognitive, manual, and visual distraction, fiddling with your phone while driving is extremely dangerous.  We ask everyone to make a special effort to set the phone aside while driving.  We here at Brock-Norton encourage our clients, employees and any/all drivers to put down their phones and buckle up.   The CDC has said that there are three types of distracted driving. They are as follows: 1.      Visual distractions that cause you to take your eyes off the road. a.      Examples:                                                      i.      This can be using a G...
Read more

Attention Vehicle Owners: Protect Your Investment from Theft

Image
  In recent months, we have had several policy holders impacted by vehicle theft. Check out this brief blog for tips on how to reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen! Vehicle theft is increasing and continues to plague the already strained Auto Insurance Market. With premiums on the rise, inventory low and the time and cost to repair skyrocketing, cars are more expensive to obtain and maintain than ever. Across the country there is a 34% spike of stolen vehicles compared to last year. In DC alone there was a spike of 113% of car thefts compared to 2022. That equals about 18 cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles stolen every day. We should be aware that a majority of car thefts are from people that are stealing cars to strip and sell parts. It is also reported that some cars that are stolen are being sent overseas for sales.   Here are some tips that you can enact at home and in your business to reduce the chances of you waking up to an empty driveway. Always lock the ...
Read more