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SEATTLE - Vehicles and deer can be a lethal combination on Northwest
roads. As the weather gets colder, you face a greater risk of
collisions as deer and other wildlife migrate from the mountains
and dart across roads and highways.
More deer-vehicle accidents occur between October and December
than any other time of the year. The Washington
Department of Transportation reports that annually more than
1,100 wildlife-vehicle collisions are reported to the Washington
State Patrol (WSP). The collisions cause nearly 1,200 injuries
and average two fatalities each year.
The Insurance
Information Institute estimates there are more than 1.6 million
deer-vehicle collisions nationwide each year, resulting in approximately
200 occupant deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and over $3.6
billion in vehicle damage. The average deer-vehicle auto claim
is $3,100.
"Deer-vehicle collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles
and serious injury to drivers and passengers," said Karl Newman,
NW Insurance Council president. "Using caution and staying alert
can save your life and eliminate the need for costly vehicle repairs."
Your Auto Insurance policy will pay for damage to your vehicle,
less the deductible, if you hit a deer or any other animail, provided
you have optional Comprehensive Coverage.
NW Insurance Council offers the following defensive driving tips
to help you avoid deer while on the road:
- Be attentive from sunset to midnight and hours just before
and after sunrise. These are the highest-risk periods 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.
- Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path and
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.
If you have questions about coverage, contact your insurance
agent or company.For more information, call the NW
Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942.
NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization
funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon
and Idaho.
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