Hitting a deer while driving can be a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. Deer are large animals and can cause significant damage to a vehicle, as well as cause serious injuries to the occupants.
It is important for drivers to be aware of the dangers of hitting a deer and take steps to prevent it from happening.
The Impact of a Deer Collision at 70 mph
The impact of a deer collision can be severe, especially at high speeds. When a vehicle hits a deer at 70 mph, the force of the impact can be equivalent to hitting a solid object, such as a concrete wall.
This can cause significant damage to the front of the vehicle and potentially cause it to become disabled.
The potential for injury to the occupants of the vehicle is also high in a deer collision at high speeds. The impact can cause the occupants to be thrown around inside the vehicle, potentially resulting in serious injuries.
It is important for drivers to always wear their seat belts and ensure that all passengers are properly restrained to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
Immediate Actions to Take After Hitting a Deer
If you are involved in a deer collision, it is important to take the following steps:
- Pull over to a safe location. If the vehicle is still operational, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to avoid further collisions.
- Check for injuries. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for emergency services immediately.
- Call for emergency services if necessary. Even if no one is injured, it is still important to call the police to report the collision. The police can help to secure the scene and gather any necessary information.
What to Do with the Deer
If the deer is still alive and is blocking the road, it is important to remove it if possible. If the deer is too large to move or is too injured to be moved, call the police for assistance.
If the deer is dead, it is important to contact local authorities to report the collision. The authorities will be able to remove the deer from the road and dispose of it properly.
Handling the Insurance Claim
If you are involved in a deer collision and your vehicle is damaged, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company.
It is important to document the damage to the vehicle as thoroughly as possible, including taking photos of the damage. Gather any witness statements if possible, as these can be helpful in supporting your claim.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, file a claim with your insurance company. The company will review the claim and determine the amount of coverage you are eligible for.
Preventing Future Deer Collisions
There are several steps that drivers can take to reduce the risk of a deer collision:
- Be aware of deer crossing signs. These signs are placed in areas where deer are known to cross the road. Slow down and be extra vigilant in these areas.
- Use high beams when possible. High beams can help to illuminate the road ahead and make it easier to spot deer on or near the road.
- Avoid swerving. If you see a deer in the road, do not swerve to avoid it. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and potentially cause a more serious collision.
- Consider using a deer warning system. These systems use sensors to detect deer on or near the road and can alert the driver to their presence. There is some evidence that these systems can be effective in reducing deer collisions.
Conclusion
Hitting a deer at high speeds can be a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. It is important for drivers to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent deer collisions.
This includes paying attention to deer crossing signs, using high beams when possible, avoiding swerving to avoid deer, and considering the use of a deer warning system.
If you do happen to hit a deer, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers, including pulling over to a safe location, checking for injuries, and calling for emergency services if necessary.
It is also important to handle the insurance claim properly by documenting the damage to the vehicle and gathering any witness statements. By following these steps, drivers can reduce the risk of serious consequences from a deer collision.
What should I do if the deer is still alive and blocking the road after the collision?
If the deer is still alive and blocking the road, it is important to remove it if possible. If the deer is too large to move or is too injured to be moved, call the police for assistance.
How do I document the damage to my vehicle for the insurance claim?
To document the damage to your vehicle, take detailed photos of the damage from multiple angles. It is also helpful to write a description of the damage and the circumstances of the collision.
Can I still file an insurance claim if I am at fault for the collision?
It depends on the terms of your insurance policy. Some policies may cover accidents that are the fault of the policyholder, while others may not.
It is important to review the terms of your policy to determine if you are covered in this situation.
Is it safe to swerve to avoid a deer on the road?
No, it is generally not safe to swerve to avoid a deer on the road. Swerving can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and potentially cause a more serious collision.
It is generally safer to brake and try to slow down as much as possible to reduce the impact of the collision.
Are deer warning systems effective in reducing deer collisions?
There is some evidence that deer warning systems can be effective in reducing deer collisions. These systems use sensors to detect deer on or near the road and can alert the driver to their presence.
However, it is important to note that these systems are not foolproof and drivers should still be vigilant and take other precautions to avoid deer collisions.
