Watch Out for Deer in the Road! [VIDEO]

The odds of a Mainer hitting a deer with their vehicle has gone up 20% this year! We are most likely to  to collide with deer during hunting and mating seasons, which is October, November and December. State Farm Insurance provided us with some important tips to avoid the injuries, vehicle damage and fatalities that can result from hitting a deer.

What to do if you do hit a deer?

• Move your car to a safe place. Pull over to the side of the road if you can and turn on your hazard lights. If you must leave your vehicle, stay well away from any oncoming vehicles.
• Call the police. Alert authorities if there is any injury, property damage, or if the deer or your vehicle is blocking traffic. This report will be helpful if you have to file an insurance claim.
• Document the accident with pictures of the roadway, surroundings, vehicle damage and any injuries. Pictures make claims easier to process. Also, take down information from any witnesses about what they saw.
• Stay away from the animal. Wounded, frightened animals can hurt you!
• Contact your insurance company. They can get the ball rolling to file and process your claim.
• Don't assume that your car is safe to drive, check for loose parts, leaking fluid, tire damage and anything else that makes driving your car unsafe!

The danger posed by deer isn't just limited to vehicle collisions. Check out this YouTube video from a Denver news station in 2012 that shows a skateboarder crashing into a deer on a Colorado highway. Yikes!

Be safe out there!

Celeste