Safe Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road During Deer Season

Well deer season is finally upon us, and unless you are an avid deer hunter, it’s not always good news. Your chances of hitting a deer are much higher during the fall months -so here’s a few safe driving tips to keep you safe on the road during deer season.

              This post is sponsored by Barkau Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Freeport

Be Extra Cautious During Dusk and Dawn

Deer are more active during sunrise and sunset – especially during mating season – which is usually between October and December. Make sure that all your passengers are wearing seat belts, no matter what. Keep your lights on, and keep your eye on the road.

Deer Crossing Signs are There for a Reason

Obviously you should stay alert and observe your surroundings whenever driving a vehicle, but you need to be extra wary for signs of wildlife. If you are driving down a country or back road , or even in neighborhoods where deer start to wander in search of food, it’s very important to keep an eye out. Deer Crossing Signs are there because of the high traffic area for deer, however you need to be cautious even when passing the area as nature is unpredictable.

Slow Down and Stay Alert if You Spot a Deer

Most deer travel in packs – so if you see one, there are others around. Slow down and be extra cautious. Even if you see the deer in a distance , remember the others could be closer to you or even across the street and they could dart across in front of you.

Don’t Swerve to Avoid a Deer

I know it feels like instinct to swerve, but by swerving you put yourself at risk for a worse collision like a head on with another vehicle or running off the road – try to stay in your lane and slow down as fast as possible; also? Hitting a deer is a comprehensive claim vs a collision claim with your insurance company, which for most means its a no-fault AND usually the deductibles are lower (if any deductible at all).

Speaking Of – get Comprehensive Insurance on Your Car

Comprehensive covers things other than a collision – so hitting an animal is covered under comprehensive coverage, and is surprisingly affordable to add on to about any vehicle. I recommend to all my clients that they carry comprehensive with a little or no deductible – besides covering hitting an animal, it also covers glass damage, hail damage, vandalism, theft, fire and flood.