Who Do You Call If You Hit a Deer?
I was driving home from work one night when I hit a deer. It was a small deer, but it still did a lot of damage to my car. I was shaken up, but I was also confused. Who do you call if you hit a deer? The police? The insurance company? The animal control officer?
As it turned out, the answer is none of the above. In most cases, you should call the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT is responsible for maintaining the roads and highways, and they will be able to help you clean up the accident scene and remove the deer from the road.
What to Do If You Hit a Deer
If you hit a deer, the first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road. If possible, park your car in a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Then, get out of your car and check yourself for injuries. If you are injured, call 911.
Once you have checked yourself for injuries, you should call the DOT. The DOT will be able to help you clean up the accident scene and remove the deer from the road. They will also be able to provide you with a report of the accident, which you can use to file a claim with your insurance company.
Overview of Deer-Vehicle Collisions
Deer-vehicle collisions are a common problem in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions in the United States in 2018. These collisions resulted in over 200 deaths and over 2,000 injuries.
Deer-vehicle collisions are most common in the fall and winter months, when deer are more active. They are also more common in rural areas, where there is more deer habitat. However, deer-vehicle collisions can occur anywhere, at any time of year.
Causes of Deer-Vehicle Collisions
There are a number of factors that can contribute to deer-vehicle collisions. These factors include:
- Increased deer populations
- Increased human activity in deer habitat
- Changes in deer behavior
- Poor road design
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Tips to Avoid Deer-Vehicle Collisions
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision. These tips include:
- Be aware of deer crossing signs
- Slow down in areas where deer are known to be active
- Use your high beams at night
- Be prepared to stop suddenly if you see a deer in the road
- Honk your horn to scare the deer away
Expert Advice on Deer-Vehicle Collisions
In addition to the tips above, there are a number of other things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision. These tips come from experts in the field of deer-vehicle collision prevention.
One of the most important things you can do is to be aware of deer crossing signs. These signs are placed in areas where deer are known to cross the road. When you see a deer crossing sign, slow down and be prepared to stop suddenly if you see a deer in the road.
Another important tip is to slow down in areas where deer are known to be active. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so be especially careful during these times. If you are driving in an area where deer are known to be active, slow down and be prepared to stop suddenly if you see a deer in the road.
FAQ on Deer-Vehicle Collisions
Q: What should I do if I hit a deer?
A: If you hit a deer, the first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road. If possible, park your car in a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Then, get out of your car and check yourself for injuries. If you are injured, call 911. Once you have checked yourself for injuries, you should call the DOT. The DOT will be able to help you clean up the accident scene and remove the deer from the road.
Q: What is the most common cause of deer-vehicle collisions?
A: The most common cause of deer-vehicle collisions is increased deer populations. Deer populations have been increasing in recent years due to a number of factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation, and changes in deer behavior.
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision?
A: There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision. These tips include: being aware of deer crossing signs, slowing down in areas where deer are known to be active, using your high beams at night, being prepared to stop suddenly if you see a deer in the road, and honking your horn to scare the deer away.
Conclusion
Deer-vehicle collisions are a common problem in the United States. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep yourself and your family safe.
Are you interested in learning more about deer-vehicle collisions? If so, please visit the following resources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov/deer-vehicle-collisions
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): https://www.iihs.org/topics/deer-vehicle-collisions
- National Deer Association: https://www.deerassociation.com/deer-vehicle-collisions/
