October through early December is the time of the year when automobile and deer collisions increase dramatically. Illinois does not have the highest incident rate in the country but according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2011 there were 18,037 deer crashes which account for 6.4% of all accidents. Over 70% of the deer crashes occur at night.
Here are some tips to avoid or reduce a deer collision:
Be aware of posted deer crossing signs as they are placed in active deer crossings.
Use high beam headlamps as much as possible to illuminate the areas surrounding roadways.
Here are some tips to avoid or reduce a deer collision:
Keep in mind that generally deer travel in herds, if you see one there is a strong possibility there are others nearby.
If a deer collision is inevitable, do not swerve as you could lose control of your car or move into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Slow down and wear your seat belts.
If you do have a deer accident, the damage to your vehicle is covered under the comprehensive coverage of the automobile policy and as a result, many times has a lower deductible than your collision coverage has. Check your policy to make sure you have coverage for rental of a replacement vehicle while you vehicle is being repaired.
David H Nixon CIC
President, Nixon Insurance Agency Inc
No comments:
Post a Comment