Fall Is Deer Season

I want to take this opportunity to once again remind you all to pay particular attention, especially in the morning and at dusk, for deer. What was once a rural problem has now become an urban and suburban one as the cities move into deer country. The Tennessee Department of Safety cautions motorists to watch out for deer, especially during the months prone to deer-related crashes, October through December.

Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell reminds motorists that, “November, when deer mating and deer hunting seasons start, is the worst month for deer-related crashes.” According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

If you see one deer there will probably be several more;

If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

Do not try to swerve around an animal.

If you swerve you could lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or another vehicle, both potentially much worse than hitting a deer. If you swerve, there’s also a chance that the animal will panic and run into your path. Instead, keep your lane position and sound your horn while braking in a controlled manner.

If you are involved in a collision with a deer you can be certain that they are not insured and if they survive the collision it might be difficult to identify the one responsible for the collision so you will probably have to rely on your own car insurance to take care of the damages. Before you do so I suggest that you check out my website at Phillip Miller & Associates, and get some information about the process of negotiating with an insurance adjuster.