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I.I.I. Offers Tips to Avoid Animal-Related Crashes

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Wash. D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, October 10, 2005-Cars and deer are a lethal combination. During deer season, which generally runs from October through December, there are dramatic movements in the deer population causing a significant number of deer to dart onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods. As a result, more deer-vehicle collisions occur in this period than at any other time of year, so drivers need to be especially cautious, warns the I.I.I.

According to the National Safety Council, there were 530,000 animal-related accidents in 2003 and these collisions resulted in 100 deaths and 10,000 injuries.
The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is $2,800, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. When you factor in auto claims involving bodily injury, the average rises to $10,000, according to the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Information Institute (I.I.I.).

"As our wildlife habitat continues to shrink, accidents with deer and other animals are likely to increase unless we are more vigilant in our driving," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.

The I.I.I. suggests the following defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer:

• Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
• When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
• Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
• Always wear your seat belt. Deer-vehicle collisions can result in serious injuries, and even death.

In the event your vehicle does strike a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself, warns the I.I.I. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should call the police immediately.

Contact your insurance agent or company representative as quickly as possible to report any damage to your car. Collision with a deer or animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of your automobile policy.

More insurance-related information can be found on the I.I.I.'s Web site ( ).

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Information Institute is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the property/casualty insurance industry.