Pop quiz: What weighs a fifth of a ton, can go up to 45 miles per hour and can cost you thousands of dollars in the blink of an eye?
Well, you probably already saw the picture at the top of the page and/or read the title, so you likely know that the answer is: deer.
The instance of car accidents involving deer doubles between the months of October and December and costs the driver an average of $4000. That comes to millions of dollars spent every year due to deer collisions.
Here are five tips for helping to avoid accidents with deer.
- Deer are most active at dusk and dawn, so if you’re out driving at those times, try to be more aware.
- Make sure to be aware around deer crossing signs. They’re there for a reason.
- Slow down. Most headlights shine 200-250 feet, but a car traveling at 60 MPH takes 240 feet to come to a complete stop.
- If you do see a deer crossing the road, slow down and watch out- more are likely to follow.
- If you feel you have to swerve, make sure there’s no oncoming traffic. A head-on collision is usually more damaging and harmful than hitting a deer.