The Miami County Sheriff's Office has seen an increase in car/deer crashes in the past several days. The deer are on the move, and the Sheriff's office urges drivers to use caution.
Tips on avoiding deer strikes:
- Be vigilant in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer.
- Use your high-beam headlights when safe to do so.
- 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. Do not swerve. It can confuse the deer as to where to run. It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
- Be alert and drive with caution when you are moving through a deer crossing zone.
- Always wear your seatbelt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes are not wearing a seatbelt
- Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer seldom run alone.
If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. The frightened animal, in attempting to move, could hurt you or itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road if possible, and call the Sheriff's office.
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 most auto insurance policies.
