Fall driving safety: Tips for deer and animal crash prevention

Fall driving safety: Tips for deer and animal crash prevention

As deer activity increases during the fall months, American Family Insurance encourages drivers to stay alert and prepare for seasonal driving hazards to reduce their risk of animal-related crashes and stay safe behind the wheel.

Based on claims from American Family Insurance customers, November is the peak month for deer-related claims, followed by October. Together, those two months account for nearly one-third of all deer-crash claims each year. In the past year, American Family customers filed nearly 23,000 claims involving deer crashes across 47 states. Wisconsin, Missouri and Minnesota recorded the highest number of deer-crash claims. In Wisconsin, approximately one in 72 insured vehicles was involved in a deer-crash claim during the past year.

"Each fall, we see a noticeable increase in crashes involving deer and other wildlife, especially in October and November," said Danny Henderson, vice president of auto claims at American Family Insurance. "These accidents can happen in an instant, so drivers should stay alert, watch for animals at dawn and dusk, reduce speed in areas where wildlife activity is common and brake firmly rather than swerve. Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward helping keep drivers and their passengers safer this season."

While deer account for many animal-related crashes, drivers may also encounter other wildlife on roadways, including smaller animals, livestock and other species that can create unexpected hazards for drivers.

The following safety tips can help reduce the risk of animal-related crashes this fall.

How to reduce your risk of an animal crash
Knowing how to avoid deer crashes and react safely can help protect you and others on the road.

• Buckle up and stay alert. Always wear your seat belt, as many people injured in deer-vehicle crashes were not buckled up.
• Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and reduce your speed in areas known for deer activity. Extra time can make it easier to react.
• Avoid distractions. Put away your phone and continuously scan both sides of the road, especially near wooded areas.
• Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk. Pay close attention during these times, when visibility is lower and deer are generally more active.
• Expect more than one deer. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and watch for others, as deer often travel in groups.
• Brake, don't swerve. If you see a deer on the road, brake firmly and sound your horn. Avoid swerving, as it can increase the risk of striking another vehicle or leaving the roadway.
• Use high beams when safe. When there is no oncoming traffic, high-beam headlights can improve visibility and help you spot animals farther ahead.

Even when drivers take precautions, animal-related crashes can still occur. Knowing what to do after an accident can help keep everyone involved safe.

What to do if you hit an animal
If you are involved in an animal-related crash, taking the following steps can help protect your safety and simplify the claims process.

• Move to a safe location. If possible, move your vehicle off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
• Don't approach the animal. Stay away from the animal, as an injured or frightened animal may act unpredictably or aggressively.
• Contact authorities. Reporting requirements vary by state. Contact local law enforcement if significant damage, injuries or roadway hazards are involved.
• Document the damage. Take photos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, roadway conditions, and the animal, while maintaining a safe distance.
• Contact your insurance company. Notify your insurer as soon as possible to report the incident and begin the claims process.

After addressing immediate concerns, drivers should review their insurance coverage and understand what protections may apply following an animal-related crash.

Does insurance cover hitting a deer?
Comprehensive auto insurance coverage generally applies when a vehicle is damaged by an animal, including a deer. Because coverage varies by policy and state, drivers should review their policy details to understand what is covered and whether a deductible applies.

Comprehensive coverage can help protect against unexpected repair costs resulting from incidents outside of a driver's control. In some cases, financial institutions may also require comprehensive coverage for financed vehicles.

Drivers should consider reviewing their policy with an American Family Insurance agency owner to understand their coverage, deductible and limits and make sure current coverage meets their needs.

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About American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance, based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 226 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current 'a+' credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a "Standing the Test of Time" company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of 'A' or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.