Bucks Cost Bucks, Does Cost Dough

North America’s Collision Repair Experts Weigh in on the Hefty Costs of Hitting a Deer 

It’s the yearly battle of the bumpers versus the bucks, the does up against the doors.  All sides lose whenever car and deer collide, but a measure of defensive driving can reduce the risks.

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts in the St. Louis area say the regularity and extent of deer-related accidents are increasing as quickly as the deer population in some markets. And, with the cold-weather months providing peak season for deer-vehicle crashes, this risk is rising.

Believe it or not, over forty percent of CARSTAR store owners record a twenty-five percent boost in deer-related accidents, while some nearly 12 percent report a 50 percent increase and five percent have noticed a fantastic seventy-five percent increase in their areas. That deer-related automobile accident might be pricy -- close to seventy percent of CARSTAR store owners assess that the average cost of a deer-related crash repair is anywhere between $2,500 and $4,999, while some 5% of repairs are anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.

A recent survey by State Farm verifies the trend.  U.S. drivers are 3 % more prone to hit a deer in the next 12 months as opposed to last year, specifically in October, November and December. The cost is on the rise, at the same time, and is anticipated to be about 14 percent greater than this past year.

A brand new trend is emerging, and one that does not bode well for person or deer – the serial deer crash driver.  As soon as a driver has been around a deer-related crash, his or her chances of suffering from another one are going up.  A number of these car owners reside in deer-filled areas, drive in the early morning or early evening when deer are out, or just really are unlucky with bucks.

Greg Walter, a suburban Atlanta resident, is simply one example.  He’s experienced seventeen deer-related accidents during the last decade!

“I’m uncertain of why they concentrate on my car, but they sure do,” mentioned Walter.  “I’ve totaled multiple company cars, and it’s gotten so bad that a few of my co-workers put deer heads on my car door much like a WWII fighter pilot.  I’ve used different headlights, deer whistles, anything.  I think I just have to have a retainer at my local CARSTAR shop.”

Drive Defensively to Prevent Deer Dangers

This current year, some 1.5 million vehicle operators will hit deer, and November is the peak month for deer-related collisions in Maryville, Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois.  But drivers can stay away from a crash with a deer by sticking to some smart driving guidelines this fall and winter.

Early morning and dusk are the worst times for deer accidents, as visibility is restricted and deer are frequently on the move. You will need to drive defensively and anticipate the possibility of deer in the roadway.

The auto masters at Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center, who repair a huge number of automobiles every year from deer-related accidents, provide the tips below to slow up the deer danger:

1.    Use extra caution at daybreak and dusk and near golf courses, fields and wooded areas.

2.    Understand that deer go in packs – if you find one, there is probably more behind it.

3.    Don't swerve to prevent yourself from hammering a deer, since that boosts the likelihood of hitting another motor vehicle or losing command over the vehicle.

4.    If you experience no opposing traffic, utilize high beams during the night to better illuminate deer.

5.    Try not to rely on devices such as deer whistles, that are coupled to the exterior of a automobile, to try and scare off deer with an supersonic or high frequency sound. They have not demonstrated to shorten deer-vehicle collisions.

6.    If a deer remains on the road once you strike it, record the occurrence to the game commission or a community law enforcement department, because deer poses a hazard to other people. If the deer continues to be living, do not get in the vicinity of it since a wild animal with sharp hooves is able to cause injuries.

7.    If a mishap with a deer does indeed take place, it is advantageous to be safe. Many vehicle operators never recognize that holding just collision coverage wouldn't cover harm from a deer accident, leaving them with a busted vehicle and a considerable repair bill.  To totally include any possible damage, vehicle operators should certainly carry detailed insurance that covers such collisions. For all driving an older vehicle who believe their motor vehicles are not worth the cost of the insurance, it’s intelligent to maintain an “accident fund” for if something does take place.

If a vehicle driver eventually ends up marooned with a busted car or truck after a deer collision, they may always call 1-800-CARSTAR. Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center will send the tow truck, call their insurance provider and help the car or truck owner get back on the road.

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois gives excellent, trusted repair service at more than 430 locations in 30 states and ten Canadian provinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you require a automobile repair, and they will dispatch the tow truck, speak to your insurer, plan for a car rental and fix your vehicle. To acquire more information and store locations, visit www.auto-body-maryville-il.com.