SELLERSBERG, Ind. – Autumn means Halloween, pumpkin spice, and football. It also means falling leaves and colder temperatures.
With these changes come driving hazards unique to autumn.
According to the Institute of Highway Safety, the fall season typically brings a sharp increase in “car versus deer” insurance claims. The claims usually peak in November and decrease through December and January.
Wet leaves, colder temperatures, and increased rainfall add to the increase in accidents.
The Indiana State Police has some tips for navigating the changing roadways and avoiding deer:
- WET LEAVES – Wet leaves can be as slippery as an ice-covered roadway. Drive slowly on leaf-covered roads and avoid hard braking.
- RAIN AND FOG – Wet roads are slippery and may lead to hydroplaning. Increase your following distance, and don’t use cruise control. If it’s foggy, use your low beams or fog lights.
- BRIDGES/OVERPASSES – Roads over bridges freeze quickly. Morning frost can leave icy patches, and shaded areas may remain icy after other parts of the roadway are dry.
- BUCKLE UP – Sudden stops from a collision or even hard braking are common causes of injury.
- WATCH FOR SIGNS – Deer crossing signs are there for a reason so use caution when you see one. Remember, deer often travel in groups. If you see one, assume more are nearby.
- WHAT TIME IS IT? – Deer are active at dawn and dusk looking for food. This is also their migration and mating season, which makes them more active.
- DON’T SWERVE – If a deer crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve. You could swerve into the path of another car or lose control and roll your vehicle. Brake firmly and stay in your lane.
- I STRUCK A DEER, NOW WHAT? – If you have a car/deer collision, move your car off the road and call 911. Take photos of your car and the animal for your insurance claim.
