When Are You Most Likely to Hit a Deer?

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so these are the times when you’re most likely to see them on the road. However, they can be active at any time of day, so it’s important to always be alert when driving.

There are certain areas where deer are more likely to cross roads, such as forests, meadows, and fields. If you’re driving in an area where deer are known to live, be extra cautious and always be on the lookout for them.

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer

If you’re driving in an area where deer are known to live, be extra cautious and always be on the lookout for them. Some tips for avoiding a collision with a deer include:

  • Driving slowly, especially in areas where deer are known to cross the road.
    Being aware of your surroundings and scanning the sides of the road for deer.
  • Using high beams when possible, as they will help you see farther ahead and make it easier to spot deer.
  • Not swerving to avoid a deer, as this could cause you to lose control of your car.
  • Watch for other deer. Deer are pack animals so if you see one cross the road, there are likely to be more following.
  • Honk at the deer. Some experts say one long blast of your horn will scare the deer out of the road.

What Do I Do If I Hit a Deer?

The first thing you should do after hitting a deer is to pull to the side of the road if it is safe to do so. We then recommend that you turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until you are sure it is safe to get out. If there are injuries involved or property damage, be sure to call emergency services or the local police.

Do not approach the deer. If it is still alive, it may be confused from the impact as well as injured and dangerous. When you contact emergency services, let them know if the deer is in the way of traffic so they can remove it.

If your vehicle is damaged, be sure to contact your car insurance company to file a claim.

Collision Repair Services in Morgantown

At Freedom Collision Center, we offer collision repair services for all makes and models of vehicles. If you’ve been in an accident, contact Freedom Collision Center today to schedule your service.


Author: Freedom Collision Center


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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!