Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Warns Drivers About Deer Season

As October approaches, drivers need to be reminded that deer season is about to begin. With both hunting and mating season combining to increase deer activity, the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center says that the fall months from October through December see more car/deer collisions than any other period throughout the year.

Any wildlife on or near our roads poses risks for drivers. Now is an excellent time to become re-educated on the risks of deer and the steps drivers can take to help save their lives while avoiding serious accidents.

Stay Alert and Drive With Extra Caution

Surprisingly, experts advise drivers to hit deer when they cannot safely avoid them. The alternative, which might involve losing control over a vehicle and causing a major accident with other vehicles, is not the preferable choice. Still, with a little understanding, drivers can do a number of things to avoid an encounter with deer:

• Slow down during high-risk times, particularly in popular deer areas: Deer are more active and harder to see between the hours of 5 pm and 7 am. “Deer Crossing” signs certainly indicate places where the risks increase, but deer can be present in any wooded area, even if signs do not provide a warning.
• Watch for more deer where one is present: Deer tend to travel in groups, so a single deer sighting is a sign of more to come. Do not resume normal speeds after seeing just one deer.
• Use horn and lights to signal the vehicle’s presence: One continuous horn blast provides any visible deer with a clear signal to avoid the area. Additionally, using high-beam headlights at night (provided it does not blind other drivers) helps drivers see deer by reflecting off the eyes.
• Use seatbelts: Seatbelts are required by law, of course, because they protect passengers in the event of a collision. A collision with a deer is as serious as a collision with another vehicle. Seatbelts provide a common-sense measure to keep injuries to a minimum.

Deer-Related Vehicle Accidents Can be Complicated

Keep in mind that accidents involving deer do not always involve just one vehicle and an animal. All too often, a driver who swerves to avoid a deer — or even one who loses control after hitting a deer — becomes involved in a collision with another vehicle. Anyone in either vehicle can sustain serious injuries while experiencing unusual challenges when filing an insurance claim or other legal action.

There is no cost associated with seeking early legal advice that can help avoid unnecessary confusion when attempting to pursue the funds needed for medical treatment and property damage. Call us at 800-948-0577 or use our convenient online contact form to avoid surprises when nature becomes involved in a collision.