Wildlife and Motor Vehicle Crashes
Each year there are 500,000 to 750,000 car-animal collisions that result in more than 100 deaths. The National Fire Safety Council estimates that over 4,000 injuries result from these crashes.*
The most serious crashes occur when a motorist swerves to avoid a deer and hits another vehicle or fixed object, or when the vehicle rolls over. Be aware of the times and places when moose and deer are more likely to be on the roads.
When a large animal appears on the roadway, drivers only have a brief moment to react. Stay aware and awake – especially in rural or heavily forested areas. Wear your safety belts – they are your best defense in any collision. In large animal/vehicle crashes, the most serious injuries and fatalities occur because people were not wearing their seat belts.
If you encounter a deer or moose standing in the road:
· Do not try to go around the animal.
· Stay in your vehicle. Do not get out to observe the animal or chase it off the road. By getting out of the car, you put yourself and other drivers at risk.
· Give the animal plenty of room to let it wander back to the woods.
If a crash is unavoidable, here are some tips to keep you safe:
· Don’t swerve. Swerving may confuse the animal because it won’t know which way to run. Instead, brake firmly, holding onto the steering wheel and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop. Hitting a deer or other large animal is safer than hitting an oncoming vehicle or running off the road and striking a roadside obstruction.
· Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers and call for help. Be cautious of other traffic if you leave your vehicle.
· Don’t attempt to remove the animal from the roadway unless you know it is dead. An injured animal’s sharp hooves could easily hurt you.
· Report the crash to the nearest law enforcement authorities and notify your insurance carrier.
*http://www.iii.org/individuals/auto/lifesaving/deercar/ 04/2005
These tips brought to you by Liberty Mutual Group and the AICPA Auto and Homeowners Insurance Program. The AICPA Auto and Homeowners Insurance Program offers competitive rates and superior service to AICPA members. For more information, or to request a quote, call toll-free 1-866-92-AICPA (1-866-922-4272).
Reprinted with permission from
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