Saving Big Bucks On The Highway

Take a few moments to think about exactly what it would feel like for you to be travelling along on the interstate minding your own business, when suddenly you shout “Oh Deer!” while an impressive head of antlers crashes right into your front fender.

You do not need to give place to the risk of having a car accident with a buck – and spending lots of bucks on the repair – by merely using a couple of these driving tips whenever you hit the road this winter. Year in and year out, one and a half million drivers have a collision with a deer, and the cold weather months are the worst possible season for deer-vehicle crashes.

Deer crashes are responsible for over 1.1 billion dollars per year in automobile damage, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Typically, the accident costs around $2,800 for each insurance claim. However, they have the potential to cost upwards of $10,000 if the driver or a passenger become wounded, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

The Risks Aren't Only In Rural Areas

Deer danger is a real danger in every part of the country, rural or otherwise. The top 10 deer danger states are:

1.   Pennsylvania
2.   Michigan
3.   Illinois
4.   Ohio
5.   Georgia
6.   Minnesota
7.   Virginia
8.   Indiana
9.   Texas
10.   Wisconsin

Drive Defensively to Avoid Deer Dangers

Early morning and sundown are the worst times for deer accidents, as visibility is limited and deer are often on the move. It is important to drive defensively and anticipate the potential for deer in the road so you can safely stop and avoid the accident.

The professionals at Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois repair vast quantities of automobiles each year from deer-related accidents. They want to help you stay safe from deer danger with the following tips:

1.At dawn and sunset, and around golf courses, fields and wooded areas use extra caution.
2. Though devices like deer whistles attempt to defend against deer with an ultrasonic sound, do not place an excessive amount of faith in them. They have never actually been proven to stop deer-vehicle collisions.
3.If a collision with a deer becomes imminent, do not swerve to prevent yourself from hitting it. Though this may seem reasonable, it actually just adds to the threat of colliding with some other vehicle or even losing complete control of your vehicle.
4.Once you've hit the animal, it might remain on the road afterwards. Should this be the situation, report the occurrence to the game commission or a local law enforcement agency immediately, as a deer carcass might be a hindrance to other drivers. If there's a chance that the deer may be living, don't approach it. A wounded deer with sharp hooves may be dangerous.
5.Keep in mind that deer will often travel as a pack. Do not think that simply because one deer has already safely traversed the road that you are okay.
6.Make good use of your brights at night. Unless, of course, there is oncoming traffic at the time.

Preparation is Smart Protection. Period.

It is a wise decision to be safeguarded in case a deer accident does take place. A lot of motorists don't appear to know that only having collision coverage usually does not encapsulate harm from a deer accident. This may leave people with a damaged vehicle and a big repair bill.

Drivers must have extensive insurance coverage that handles crashes with deer. If you've got an older automobile and you do not think that it is really worth the price of the insurance coverage, have an “accident fund” just in case something unforeseen takes place.

If you've gotten into a car accident or want your questions answered about having your car fixed after a crash, visit www.auto-body-maryville-il.com. Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois offers high-quality and reliable repair in Edwardsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, and Highland.