Have you ever hit a deer on the road? It’s not a pleasant experience. Not only is it upsetting to kill or injure an animal, but it can also inflict severe damage to your car. Deer collisions are happening more and more, as the deer populations have more than doubled since the 80’s. Today, such collisions happen about 500,000 times every year, causing over one hundred deaths and an average of $2,000 in damage to the car owner. So, in the interest of protecting yourself and Bambi’s mom, our Seattle auto body shop offers the following advice.
- Deer are most active in the early morning and evening. If you are driving during these times in a wilderness area, be vigilant.
- Your high-beams can scare off deer from a greater distance. Use them if it is safe to do so.
- If you see a deer in your path, brake firmly. Do not swerve; this is not only dangerous, but it can confuse the animal.
- Always wear your seatbelt! Many injuries result from deer collisions, most due to a failure to buckle up.
- Remember that deer seldom appear alone. If you see one deer, be on the lookout for more