DEER
Some initial hints for drivers to reduce risk of deer vehicle
collisions:
Do take note of deer warning signs, by driving with caution at
or below the posted speed limit. Such signs really are
positioned only where animal crossing are likely.
Peaks in deer related traffic collisions occur October through
December, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset
to midnight followed by the hours shortly before and after
sunrise.
Be aware that further deer may well cross after the ones you
have noticed.
After dark, do use full-beams when there is no opposing traffic.
The headlight beam will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a
roadway and provide greater driver reaction time. BUT, when a
deer or other animal is noted on the road, dim your headlights
as animals startled by the beam may ‘freeze’ rather than leaving
the road.
Don't swerve to avoid hitting a deer. If a collision with the
animal seems inevitable, then hit it while maintaining full
control of your vehicle. The alternative of swerving into
oncoming traffic or a ditch could be even worse.
Only break sharply and stop if there is no danger of being hit
by following traffic. Try to come to a stop as far in front of
the animals as possible to enable it to leave the roadside
without panic.
Report any deer-vehicle collisions to the police (who should be
able to contact the local person best placed to assist with an
injured deer at the roadside)
Finally, remember to .. WATCH OUT FOR WILDLIFE
Minnesota's Department of
Public Safety does give information what to do if you have hit a
deer. Dawn and dusk is the most likely time to have an accident
with a deer. If you have hit a deer call 911. The law
enforcement officer will come out and determine your damages.
Also they can issue a permit if you want to legally transport
the deer away from the scene for your own use. And don't forget
we are your choice for auto body repair in Brainerd Minnesota. |
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DEER QUESTION
I hit a deer in Central Minnesota. Does insurance cover the
collision or do we? Would this be a case of a run away cart? We
do not have any control over a deer. Deer came out of no where.
Was driving 50-55 in a 55 zone. Do you think the Insurance
company should waive the collision? If we were driving in
traffic with other cars around we know that we could be in a
accident but out in no where a deer runs out. I feel we should
not have to pay the collision. Please let me know what you
think?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle it should be
covered for the damage done to your vehicle from hitting the
deer. Comprehensive covers losses due to falling objects, fire
and colliding with a bird or animal. Collision coverage is what
you would use if your car was hit by a run away shopping car
since that coverage covers being hit by another vehicle or
object.
Typically your deductible for your comprehensive coverage would
apply. You can ask and see if your insurance company will waive
it. In some states collisions with wildlife is covered by the
state or the state asks the insurance company to waive the
deductible amount, but I could not find this to be true for
Minnesota. |
