Deer-related car crashes pose a financial risk for drivers, particularly during late Spring when incidents peak.
With deer sightings on the rise between April and May, it's essential for drivers to stay vigilant during this high-risk period. Car collisions with deer are on the increase, causing substantial auto damage and posing a threat to road safety.
In the warmer months, deer become more active as they move around in search of new food sources and suitable habitats for their fawns. This heightened deer activity results in a 45% rise in accidents involving these animals, causing thousands of pounds in car damages each year.
Nearly 74,000 car-deer accidents happen annually in Britain, with an average cost of £4,317 per incident, according to insurer Zurich. While comprehensive insurance typically covers damages resulting from animal-related crashes, third-party, fire, and theft coverage may not apply.
For Mat Barker, a 50-year-old resident of Welney, Norfolk, the costs have been particularly high—he has racked up more than £15,000 in repairs to his hybrid Volkswagen Passat, which costs around £40,000, following two deer-related collisions over the past four years. Electric and hybrid vehicles are more susceptible to accidents due to their quiet operation, making them less noticeable to deer.
To help motorists avoid those springtime deer encounters, adopting a few strategies can help:
- Maintain a safe speed, especially in rural areas, to allow extra time to react if a deer suddenly appears.
- Stay alert during dawn and dusk hours, as deer are most active during these periods with reduced visibility.
- Use high-beam headlights at night when possible to enhance your ability to spot deer on the road, making sure to dim the lights for oncoming traffic.
- Watch for deer crossing signs and be attentive in high-risk zones, such as roads linking rural and suburban regions, near green belts, parks, feeding grounds, and natural habitats.
- Scan the roadsides carefully for deer movement, as they often travel in groups.
In case you come across a deer on or near the road, brake firmly but resist the urge to swerve to avoid a potential loss of control or collision with other vehicles.
Remember to wear your seat belt always for safety in case a collision occurs.
By staying alert, driving carefully, and anticipating deer movement, motorists can significantly reduce their risk of deer-related crashes during this high-risk period.
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HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP
- How to get the cheapest car insurance: Ten tips for affordable car coverage
- The increase in deer activity during spring can lead to a rise in car-deer accidents, which is a type of general news that could affect auto insurance premiums.
- While comprehensive insurance typically covers damages from animal-related collisions, such as those with deer, sports cars might not be as well protected due to their quiet operation, potentially leading to higher insurance costs.
