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Collisions with Deer and Other Animals Every year, more than 1.6 million vehicle-deer collisions occur in this country, according to the Insurance Information Institute. These crashes cause more than $4.6 billion in vehicle damage, medical costs, and other expenses. Here is what you should know about animal collisions to help reduce your risk: X Use high beam headlights if driving at night, when there is no oncoming traffic. The higher light will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. X Slow down and honk your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away. X Brake firmly but stay in your lane when you notice a deer in or near your path. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their vehicles. X Know that deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby. Wooded areas are likely crossing spots for animals and many, like deer, travel together. X Do not rely on deer-deterring devices. Deer whistles, deer fences, and reflectors have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions. X In most cases, hitting the animal will cause less damage than hitting another vehicle or a tree. X Be especially alert at dusk and dawn when visibility can be reduced; 90% of collisions with animals occur at these times. X Deer activity peaks from October to December; nearly half of deer collisions happen during these months. X If you see a deer crossing sign, heed it. They are placed on known deer travel routes. X If you have a collision with an animal, call local law enforcement. Some states have reporting requirements. Head-On Crashes Head-on crashes, where the fronts of two vehicles collide, are among the most deadly types of collisions. Most head-on crashes result from a motorist falling asleep, being distracted, or traveling too fast in a curve. Alcohol use and speeding can also be contributing factors. If an oncoming vehicle veers into your lane for any reason, slow down immediately and blow your horn. Keep steering, get out of the way, drive off the road, or stop. STATE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION SAFE STRATEGY REMINDERS X Drive only when you are alert and not impaired. X Always use your seatbelt. X Whenever possible, avoid driving in challenging weather or road conditions. X Scan the road ahead for hazards and anticipate where problems might occur. X Obey speed limits. You will have more time to react to a hazard and, should a collision occur, it will not be as damaging at a lower speed. X Stay well centered in your lane, where oncoming traffic is less likely to stray, and where you can get to the shoulder or side of the road more quickly. On multi-lane roads, the right lane is the safest lane. X If your vehicle is equipped with safety technology like Lane Departure Warnings or Lane Keeping systems, they can help you maintain your lane position and avoid dri ing into the wrong lane. www.aarp.org/drive Smart Driver Participant Guidebook 87 ARE WE SMART ON THE ROAD? 4 1 2 3 4 5 6