State Farm insurance company released a study today that says that the odds of a U.S. driver colliding with a deer is about 1 out of 169. According to the study, those odds double over October, November and December due to deer hunting season. “Periods of daily high-deer movement around dawn and dusk as well as seasonal behavior patterns, such as during the October-December breeding season, increase the risk for auto-deer collisions,” said Ron Regan, executive director for the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Changes in collision rates from year to year are a reflection of changing deer densities or population levels – more deer in a given area increases the potential for collision. Deer populations are also affected by conditions such as new or improved roads with higher speeds near deer habitat, changes to hunting seasons to manage wildlife, winter conditions, and other related factors.”
State Farm provided a list of precautions when driving in areas that are high in deer population:
-Use extra caution in known deer zones.
-Always wear your seatbelt
At night, when there is no oncoming traffic, use high beams
-Avoid swerving when you see a deer Scan the road for deer and other danger signs
-Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles
Remember, if you are unfortunate enough to collide with a deer, and you are injured, you can be compensated for your injuries, medical bills and lost wages if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This is why it is so important to pay for full insurance coverage: including uninsured and underinsured.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or a Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.