Average animal strike in Pennsylvania costs more than $5,000
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Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, this week said safety is priority one, so first and foremost, AAA is encouraging motorists to adjust their driving behaviors to prevent a deer collision.
“Drivers may also want to adjust their insurance coverage because even a minor collision will likely be a major expense.” Tidwell said.
AAA is reminding drivers that this is the time of year when they are most likely to strike a deer, which can be both dangerous and now, significantly more expensive than in years past.
Tidwell said October through December marks deer-mating season, so the animals are more active and, therefore, more likely to dart into the roadway, increasing the risk of a costly and potentially deadly collision.
While the vast majority of deer strikes do not involve serious injury, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in the 10-year period from 2012-2021, almost 2,000 people were killed in crashes involving deer — including 114 in Pennsylvania.
With that in mind, AAA is encouraging drivers to stay focused and look out for deer, especially during the morning and evening hours when the distracted animals are most active and most likely to intersect with commuters.
Top 10 Pennsylvania counties for Deer Strikes in 2021
Allegheny, 321
Chester, 241
Westmoreland, 230
York, 205
Bucks, 197
Monroe, 195
Berks, 183
Butler, 183
Luzerne, 173
Montgomery, 166
New vehicle technology driving up cost of repairs
Insurance Agency at AAA statistics indicate that across Pennsylvania, the average claim for an animal strike in 2022 was more than $5,000 — up more than 50% in just five years.
While there are multiple factors at play, Tidwell said the sharp increase is due, in large part, to new vehicle technology, including cameras and sensors that may be in the windshield, bumper or rear-view mirrors, driving up the cost of repairs. Lingering supply chain issues are also an issue.
“Deer can be unpredictable, so even the best drivers are at risk,” Tidwell adds. “In addition to your vehicle damage, the cost of repairs may put a serious dent in your wallet if you don’t have a comprehensive insurance policy with adequate coverage.”
AAA tips to avoid an animal collision
• Keep your eyes moving back and forth: Continuously sweep your eyes across the road for signs of animals. While the most likely accident is caused by an animal darting in front of you, one might also run into the side of your car.
• Be especially attentive in early morning and evening: Many animals, especially deer, are most active during prime commuting hours – roughly 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.
• At night, use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic: Your brights can help you spot animals sooner. The light reflecting off their eyes may also reveal their location.
• Slow down and watch for other deer to appear: Deer rarely travel alone, so if you see one, there are likely to be one or more nearby.
• Honk your horn with one long blast: A long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.
• Use brakes if impact is imminent: If an animal is in your path, stay in your lane. Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don’t know which way to run. It can also put you in the path of oncoming vehicles or cause you to crash into objects on the side of the road.
• Always wear a seat belt: According to the Insurance Information Institute, the chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seat belt on.
In the event of a collision with an animal, Insurance at AAA recommends:
• If possible, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location out of the roadway. Your safety and the safety of your passengers are most important.
• Once you are in a safe location and no longer driving, call the police.
• Put the vehicle’s hazard lights on, whether it is light or dark outside.
• Avoid making contact with the deer/animal. A frightened or wounded animal can hurt you or further injure itself.
• Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to report any damage to your car.
• Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely and without entering the roadway.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.