How To Avoid Playing Bumper Tag With Deer
If you’re driving in Maryland, particularly during the fall and early winter months, deer can become an unexpected hazard, especially on the Eastern Shore. With its blend of suburban neighborhoods and rural roads, encountering a deer on your commute is more common than you might think. This can cause damage to your car, or even render it unfit to drive and you in need of a tow to your local body repair shop.
Here are a few tips to guide or remind you how to try to avoid an encounter with a deer and what to do if the worst happens.
Why Deer Are Such a Problem When Traveling This Time of Year
Deer are most active during the mating season (October through December) especially at dawn and dusk. Unfortunately, that’s when most of us are on the road, headed to or from work. During these hours, the deer are running (dating and having a jolly time) and less cautious about roadways, which means we need to be more alert than ever. Think of Prom night, but it lasts for three months!
A collision with a deer can cause significant damage to your vehicle and, in some cases, lead to injuries. Even if you’re insured, dealing with the aftermath of a deer accident can be costly and stressful. So, it’s worth taking steps to avoid these incidents.
Tips to Avoid Hitting a Deer
In order to help our friends, family and customers, we’d like to offer a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- If you’re driving early in the morning or after sunset, slow down and be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk.
- Keep an eye out for movement along the roadside. Remember, deer rarely travel alone. If you see one, chances are that more are nearby. Slow down and be ready for another deer to cross your path.
- Use your high beams when appropriate. High beams can help illuminate the sides of the road where deer might be hiding. Just be sure to dim them when other vehicles are approaching.
- Please Don’t Tailgate! It’s very easy to get into the habit of forgetting to leave the appropriate distance between the car in front of you and your bumper. However, if they have to hit the brakes to avoid hitting a deer and you’re on their bumper (so to speak), an accident can happen.
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs. Those yellow signs aren’t just for decoration! They’re placed in areas where deer activity is particularly high. Reduce your speed and stay more alert.
- Avoid swerving. If a deer suddenly darts in front of your car, your instinct might be to swerve. Resist the urge. Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with another car. It’s safer to brake firmly and hit the deer than to risk a more serious accident.
What to Do If You Hit a Deer
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a collision is unavoidable. So here are just a few tips to help you if you were unable to miss that deer.
- Pull over safely. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for injuries. Make sure you and your passengers are okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Stay away from the deer. An injured deer can be unpredictable and dangerous. They may be cute but they are also very strong. Keep a safe distance.
- Document the scene. If it is safe, take photos of your vehicle and write down the approximate place the incident occurred. This will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company. Once you and any loved ones with you are safe and settled, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Deer collisions are typically covered under comprehensive insurance policies. Provide them with all the details and photos you’ve collected.
A Word for College Students
If you’re a student in Maryland commuting to and from campus, remember that rural and suburban areas around universities are prime deer territory. Consider carpooling with some friends—an extra set of eyes on the road can help spot deer movements and possibly prevent an accident.
Need Towing, Body Repair or Estimates?
Driving in Maryland during deer season requires extra caution, but a little awareness goes a long way. By staying alert and following these tips, you can reduce your risk of an accident. And if the unexpected does happen, remember that Joey’s Automotive of Chestertown is just a phone call away to help you get back on the road.
As your local, family-owned body repair shop, we’ll treat you like you’re one of our family. From towing, body repair, and assistance with estimates for your insurance company, we’re here to help you get your vehicle back on the road again.