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With the autumn season upon us, it means that many deer will be finding their way onto highways. Colliding with a deer can cause severe collision damage, so it is important to take defensive driving measures to reduce your collision risks. Deer season in West Virginia will generally run from October through December, with a dramatic increase in deer population movement. While the frequency of deer-related accidents is on the decline, these accidents are more severe due to the advanced technologies use in modern vehicles that need to be repaired after a collision . In West Virginia in 2018, drivers had a 1 in 46 chance of hitting a deer . Many deer collisions involve front-end damage which can elevate repair costs when you must replace the bumpers, front headlamps, windshield, and advanced safety technology located in this area. Tips for Driving Defensively to Prevent Collisions with Deer At Freedom Collision Center, we have compiled the top tips we have for helping you drive defensively to prevent collisions with deer . These tips include: Pay attention- While this may seem to be a no-brainer, it is important to pay attention and stay alert while driving. Being alert will help you notice deer crossing signs and will also allow you to react quickly if you see a deer. Be careful from dusk to dawn- Deer are more active during these hours, so it is important to be extra careful while driving during these times. Reduce speed- If you see a deer or other wildlife on the side of the road, be sure to slow down to avoid hitting them. They move in an unpredictable manner, so caution is key. Avoid swerving- While your first reaction to a deer coming into the path of your car is to swerve, you should brake. Swerving can lead to you losing control of the vehicle or hitting another car or object. Be sure to brake quickly and safely. If there is one, there is more. – This is the general rule of thumb when seeing a deer. Since they travel together, if you see one deer crossing the road, you’re likely to see more following behind. Be sure to stay alert and allow for the rest of the group to cross. We can’t control wildlife and when they venture onto the road, but we can control how we react. Follow these tips for a safer drive during deer season in West Virginia. Collision Repair Services Unfortunately, even with the right preventative measures, you may still end up colliding with a deer this season . If you need collision repair , the expert technicians at Freedom Collision Center are highly trained and equipped with top of line tools to get the job done! Contact us today to learn more!

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting time in your life and milestone for many on their way to adulthood. Amid the excitement, it’s still important to keep safety in mind. Driving is a significant responsibility, so it is essential to enjoy this new freedom with caution and safe practices. At Freedom Collision Center, your number one local auto body shop, we’ve put together some tips for safe driving. Obey the Traffic Laws This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it is essential not to overlook any traffic rules while driving. These rules are put in place to keep you, pedestrians, and other drivers safe. From right-of-way to stops signs, be sure that you understand and follow the traffic rules. Wear Your Seatbelt It is crucial that you always wear your seatbelt and make sure that your passengers wear theirs as well. More than half of the teens in fatal car accidents were found unbuckled. So, be sure to buckle up! Drive the Speed Limit A leading cause of fatal crashes in young drivers is speeding. The faster you are driving, the less time you will have to stop your car in the event that someone pulls out in front of you or stops suddenly ahead of you. Higher speeds also lead to a more powerful impact and cause more severe injuries. Be Prepared for Accidents and Breakdowns In case of a breakdown, accident, or other emergencies, it is vital to make sure you have all of your essential driver documents, including your insurance card, vehicle registration, and your driver’s license. It is also recommended that you keep an emergency kit with items such as first aid supplies, a flashlight, blankets, batteries, bottled water, etc. Keep Your Car Properly Maintained By properly caring for your car, you can help prevent breakdowns and other potential accidents. Be sure to have regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups, check the tire pressure as well as the brake fluid and coolant levels. Be sure to also keep your gas gauge from getting too close to “E.” Professional Car Maintenance Services Keep your car in its best running shape with our car maintenance services! From oil changes to tune-ups, Freedom Collision Center in Morgantown has you covered. If you end up in a fender-bender, we can help with that too. Our expert team can repair your vehicle and get it back out on the road in no time! Contact us today to learn more.

“It’s just a scratch… right?”

If you’re thinking about selling or trading in your vehicle, it’s natural to focus on things like mileage, cosmetic condition, and maintenance records. But there’s another factor that can quietly influence what your car is worth: the type of parts used in any past collision repairs.

If you live or work in West Virginia, you’re probably familiar with the condition of many of our rural roads. Whether you’re commuting from a small town, making deliveries on back roads, or driving to work through the hills, uneven pavement, gravel, potholes, and sharp curves are part of daily travel.

When deciding between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts for collision repairs, it’s critical to understand how they compare in terms of fit, quality, warranty, cost, availability, and performance. Each option has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your budget, repair goals, and insurance coverage.

Winter roads might keep you moving, but the salt used to melt ice and snow is often a silent destroyer of your vehicle’s undercarriage. While road salt helps prevent accidents, it accelerates rust and corrosion, eating away at essential components like the frame, brake lines, and exhaust system.

After a minor fender-bender, you may not think a trip to the auto body shop is needed. While the damage to your vehicle may not look serious, it can significantly impact its operation and safety.

As the winter season approaches, ensuring safety on icy roads becomes a priority for drivers everywhere. Whether shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, giving the gift of safe winter driving is thoughtful and practical.