With an increase in urban sprawl and more roads being built through previously wooded areas, deer have been displaced from their natural habitats, leading to a rise in deer-vehicle collisions, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
The deer migration and mating season runs from October through December, causing a dramatic increase in movement of Virginia’s deer population and resulting in more collisions during those three months.
Virginia is one of the top 10 states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer. In 2012, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. had 2,998 claims related to collisions with deer, out of 107,226 personal and commercial auto policies. The claims led to $7.19 million in losses, with an average loss of $2,400 per claim. There were 390 collisions with deer in October, 532 in November and 324 in December.
Deer are most likely to be seen at dusk and dawn near tree-lined roadways or areas that transition from open fields to forest or water. Drivers should remember that deer are wild animals and often exhibit unpredictable behaviors when on or near roadways.
A deer, like any other animal, is going to cross the road when it feels it is safest to do so. Always slow down if you see one run across the road in front of you; it’s very likely that there is another one behind the first. Deer crossing signs are posted to warn drivers that certain stretches of road are commonly populated with deer.
When driving after dark, use high-beam headlights to increase the range of vision. If a deer is on or near the road, slow down immediately and do not swerve. Brake firmly, but keep the vehicle headed in a straight line.
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