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The deer population is rising as are the number of vehicles on U.S. roadways. Consequently, deer – vehicle collisions are on the rise. Some insurance companies have released numbers indicating a national rise of 18 percent in the last five years for this type of accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause more than 150 fatalities each year.

These collisions are more frequent during the months of October, November and December. This time of year is traditionally the deer migration and mating season. With the growing populations of both deer and vehicles on the road as well as urban sprawl and displacement of deer habitat, the conditions are increasingly hazardous for both motorists and deer.

Defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer.

Following are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute on how to avoid a collision with a deer.
• Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland.
• Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
• When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
• Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
• Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.

Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.