Driving during late fall and early winter is arguably the second most dangerous time to be on the road, right behind mid-winter when the roads are icy, only because of one factor: deer. Hitting a deer can mean life or death for either you or the deer and that alone should open the eyes of the public, literally. Keeping an open eye for these hasty creatures running amok on small roads and even highways in the rural scene could make all the difference. Although, in the dark, deer are virtually invisible, it is still incredibly important to try your hardest to avoid them as much as possible.
To avoid the almost inevitable in Southwest Virginia, one must always keep their bright lights on during dark hours and be careful not to blind oncoming traffic. If you were to spot a deer, drop to low beams and cautiously and immediately use your brake. Drivers are encouraged to not swerve if a deer runs out. "People are more important than animals," says animal-lover Donna Morris. Coach Morris is a Health and P.E., Driver's Ed., and former Hunter's Safety teacher here at John I. Burton. Morris says that swerving to avoid an animal, such as a deer in this case, may result in collision with an inanimate object, such as a guard-rail. This will be filed under your collision rather than comprehensive insurance. Coach Morris says to stay more conscientious during dusk and around areas that you know where one has been hit because animals like this usually have crossings known by local deer.
If the unfortunate sight of a deer pops up in the road or your peripheral vision, depending on where you are, it may be a good idea to brake. On open and rather wide roads, such as a highways, the best advice is to brake as much as possible, use the whole road, and steer clear if necessary. On a small and more narrow road, one should brake and continue going straight, as hitting a deer is much better than hitting a tree. Never honk the car's horn when you spot a deer; this may cause the animal to become scared or confused and dart into your car, another car, or hurt itself on accident.
If you hit a deer, be cautious in getting out to check the damage, but make sure to do so. Document the damage and call the police, your insurance agency, or both. Stay on the phone with someone until a second party shows up and after recording the damage, stay in the car.
Written by: Taylor Collins