Insurance FYI: Deer in the Headlights

Tragically, animal v. vehicle crashes are far too common an occurrence in Colorado. Such collisions can put a serious dent in your vehicle, if not destroy it completely. Colorado led the nation in 2015 for highest average claims ($4,990) with AAA Insurance.

While striking an animal of any size is a hazard, deer are most often involved. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions across the U.S. each year result in 150 occupant deaths and tens of thousands of injuries. In Colorado last year, AAA Insurance policyholders had a total of 93 animal-related auto claims.

Although deer and other animals are unpredictable, and you never know when one might dash in front of your vehicle, there are actions you can take to help prevent an accident or reduce the damage from an animal collision.

• Continuously sweep your eyes across the road for signs of animals and movement. While the most likely accident would be caused by an animal darting in front of you, one might also hit you by running into the side of your car. Many animals are most active during prime commuting hours—roughly 5–8 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.
• Your brights can help you spot animals sooner. The light reflecting off their eyes may also help reveal their location.
• Deer rarely travel alone, so if you see one, there are likely to be one or several more nearby.
• One long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.

• If an animal is in your path, stay in your lane and apply your brakes. Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don’t know which way to run. It can also put you in the path of oncoming vehicles or cause you to crash into objects on the side of the road.
• The chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on.
• A wounded, frightened animal can be unpredictable. If it’s in the middle of the road and blocking traffic, call 911 immediately.

AAA connection

Comprehensive insurance covers animal collisions. For more information on auto, homeowners and other personal lines of insurance, call 855-222-7736, stop by your local AAA Colorado retail store or visit AAA.com/insurance.