LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- AAA is reminding drivers that collisions with deer usually increase in October and peak in November and December.
According to a news release from AAA East Central, deer are more likely to wind up in traffic with cooler weather and shorter days upon us. The number of vehicles colliding with deer rises during October and peaks in November and December.
"More collisions between vehicles and deer occur now than any other time of the year," vice president of insurance sales Jonathon King said in the release. "One of our top claims as winter approaches is for vehicles that have been totaled from hitting animals, and the costs can be staggering."
Earlier this year, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued an 'Antler Alert' as it also warned drivers to be on the lookout for deer.
"Drivers should be extra alert, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down in areas where deer are likely to cross," KYTC highway safety engineer James Ballinger said in the release. "A moment of caution can prevent a serious crash."
More than 3,400 deer-related crashes were recorded in Kentucky in 2024, according to data from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. That's 180 more collisions than 2023 -- and the most reported in the last five years. Six people died in those collisions, and 22 others were seriously injured, according to the release.
Those collisions can do a lot of damage. That's why AAA recommends double checking your insurance coverage, since the average deer-related claim in the region is about $5,600 on average. Those costs can be much higher depending on the damage to a vehicle.
AAA East Central recommends drivers choose comprehensive coverage, which will pay for damage to vehicles covered by disasters "other than collisions" -- e.g., animals.
Here's some tips to minimize damage from an animal collision:
- Pay attention to road signs. Yellow, diamond-shaped signs with an image of a deer indicate areas with high levels of deer activity.
- Keep focused on the road. Ditching distractions is one of the easiest ways to be ready if a deer comes out of nowhere.
- Be especially attentive in early morning and evening hours. Many animals, especially deer, are most active from 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m., prime commuting times for many.
- Use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic. Animals can be spotted sooner and the light reflecting off their eyes will often reveal their location.
- Slow down and watch for other deer to appear. Deer rarely travel alone, so if there is one, more are likely nearby.
- Resist the urge to swerve. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel and don’t change lanes. Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don’t know which way to run. It can also put motorists in the path of oncoming vehicles or cause the vehicle to crash into something.
- If the crash is imminent take your foot off the brake. During hard braking, the front end of a vehicle is pulled downward which can cause the animal to travel up over the hood towards the windshield. Letting off the brake can protect motorists from windshield strikes because the animal is more likely to be pushed to one side of the vehicle or over the top of the vehicle.
If you do hit a deer, AAA recommends the following actions:
- Call the police.
- Avoid making contact with the animal. A frightened or wounded animal can hurt people or further injure itself.
- Put the vehicle’s hazard lights on, whether it’s light or dark outside.
- If possible, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location, out of the roadway, and wait for help to arrive.
Drivers are advised to contact their insurance agent as quickly as possible to report any damage.
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