We share every part of this planet with nature, including our roads.
Whether you like it or not, we are part of this planet, and we have a responsibility to share everything with the other creatures that inhabit the Earth—including our roads. An estimated 1.25 million claims were reported just last year from colliding with some animal that was on the road. There’s no foolproof way to keep animals like deer, elk, or moose out of our roads—especially near the woods or forest. They were roaming these lands millions of years before any curious humans showed up, so we really can’t blame them. But you can follow these steps to reduce the chances of being involved in a collision with an animal on the road.
Brake when you can: If you have time and the distance to brake, then by all means do it! If you have drivers behind you tap the brakes and honk your horn to shoo away the animal and to let them know there’s something in front of you. If you don’t have any drivers behind you, slam those brakes.
Be careful though: if a crash is imminent, no matter how hard you hit the brakes, it may be better to accelerate. Braking lowers the front end of the car and will likely send the animal on top of your car right through your windshield—hitting you and whomever else is in your car.
Use your high-beams: At night, use your high beams whenever possible. It illuminates the road much farther giving you a greater field of vision. If you see a deer, flicker the lights; deer fixate on headlights and the flickering may spook them enough to move out of your way.
Staying alert: Staying alert is your greatest key. Pay attention to “Deer Crossing” signs, especially when driving near the woods and bodies of water. If you see one deer, there are probably others nearby. Contact the independent insurance professionals at North American Underwriters. Serving New Britain, Bristol, Farmington, Plainville, and surrounding Connecticut areas, we will work with you to ensure you have the right amount of auto protection for your car.
