Clive Police Warn Motorists: “Don’t Veer for Deer” by Officer Adam Jones Clive, Iowa - Authorities in Iowa and across the nation are warning drivers to be on the lookout for deer this Fall. Car-deer collisions injure and kill hundreds of Americans every year, also resulting in billions of dollars in property damage. Deer migration and mating season typically begins in September and can run through December. More activity within the deer population usually results in a dramatic increase of accidents. According to State Farm, the nation’s leading auto insurer, more than a million deer-vehicle collisions happened in the U.S. during the past fiscal year, causing more than $4 billion in damage. State Farm’s average cost per claim was $3,305. Iowa ranks third in the nation for car-deer mishaps, But cars can be repaired, and the loss of life associated with car-deer collisions each year is a far greater tragedy. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety statistics indicate an average of 200 fatalities nationwide each year. An average of five motorists are killed each year in Iowa. Like any transportation hazard, knowing what to do in an emergency is usually the best way to avoid a tragedy. 1. When encountering a deer or other animal in the roadway, officials recommend to avoid swerving. Evasive maneuvers can result in loss of control, wandering into oncoming traffic, crashing into stationary objects or even a rollover. The safest approach is to slow down and stay in your lane. Striking the deer, while against human nature, may actually be the best option. 2. Be cognizant of “deer crossing” warning signs. 3. Know how deer travel. While deer can be active at all hours, most collisions occur at dusk and during the early evening hours. Most deer travel in groups, so it’s safe to assume there is more than one in the area. 4. Use your high beams at night to assist in detecting hazards. (Be sure to dim your lights when another motorist approaches). 5. If you are involved in a collision, pull to the side of the road if possible and call 911. Being involved in a car-deer collision is a dangerous and scary event. Iowans must remain vigilant year-round to avoid white-tailed obstacles. But if the risk of striking a deer with your car is just too much to bear, Iowans also have the option of moving to the state with the lowest volume of deer collisions: Hawaii.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 12:27:47 +0000
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