Car collisions with deer can occur anytime throughout the year, but in Michigan they’re far more common in the fall. While Clift Auto Body Repair is always ready to help should you hit a deer, we can all agree it is best to avoid the accident altogether. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take during deer season to reduce your risk of an accident.
Avoid Driving at Dawn and Dusk
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. With this in mind, avoid driving, especially in rural areas, during these times if possible. If you must drive during these hours, make sure you are extra alert and watching closely for deer.
Turn On Your Headlights
Make sure your headlights are on whenever driving. Like many animals, the eyes of a deer will reflect the light back at you, making them easier to spot. If you see a pair of eyes in the brush by the road, slow down and be ready for them to jump out.
Watch for Multiple Deer
It is quite unusual to find a single deer traveling on its own. If you see one deer in an area, be confident there are several others nearby. With this in mind, you want to slow down considerably, even if the deer you see is not positioned right next to the road. This will give you more reaction time should a deer you did not see bound into the road.
Do Not Swerve
Should a deer jump out in front of you, quickly press the brakes to stop as fast as possible. While the natural instinct will be to swerve to try and miss the deer, this is actually a big mistake. If you attempt to swerve out of the way you are much more likely to lose control of the vehicle and may crash into a tree, guardrail, or other vehicle. This can be far more dangerous than hitting the deer.
What if You Do Hit a Deer?While the above tips can help reduce your risk of an accident, it is impossible to avoid deer in every situation. If you do hit a deer, you will want to visit a trusted auto body shop for repair and detailing. Clift Buick GMC in Adrian, MI, has years of experience repairing damage caused by car-deer accidents, and we are ready to help you. Contact our collision body shop to schedule an appointment today.