Avoid Hitting a Deer and What to Do If You Do
As winter peeks forth and temperatures dip, Missouri residents brace themselves for the harsh winter months, complete with icy roads and the occasional snowstorm. However, there's another reason for caution during this time of year that often goes overlooked - the increased risk of collisions with whitetail deer. These graceful creatures are a quintessential part of the Show-Me State's landscape, but their food-seeking behavior and rutting during the months of October to January can lead to unfortunate accidents. In particular, Ellisville and the more nature-rich parts of Greater St. Louis witness a higher frequency of deer-caused accidents, keeping collision centers like Bo Beuckman busy.
In this article, we'll answer common questions like whether swerving to avoid deer is ever a good idea, general tips to avoiding collisions, and steps to take if you do ultimately hit a deer.
Should You Swerve to Avoid Hitting a Deer?
When you see a deer on the road, your first thought might be to steer your car to avoid hitting it. But often, swerving isn't the safest choice. Swerving quickly can make you lose control of your car, crash into oncoming traffic, or even flip your vehicle, all of which can lead to very serious accidents. All these risks of swerving only worsen when you factor in Missouri's icy winter roads.
To avoid hitting a deer, it's ideal to press your brakes and stay in your lane. This helps minimize the damage and keeps you, your passengers, and other drivers safer.
Additional Safety Tips for Avoiding Deer Collisions During Missouri Winters
- Be on the lookout, particularly at dusk and dawn - Whitetail deer are most active during these times, and their sudden appearance on the road can be challenging to anticipate. Plus, it's worth noting that the early/late hours may contribute to your own sleepiness, diminishing your own reaction time and making deer collisions more likely.
- Reduce speed during the above-mentioned times - Slowing down your vehicle in areas with a known deer population or crossing zones is crucial, particularly when they're most active. This gives you more time to react if deer suddenly dart into your vehicle's path, helping you avoid hitting them.
- Use high beams - When driving in rural areas or on dimly lit roads, use your high beams to improve your visibility. However, be mindful of other drivers and switch to low beams when approaching oncoming traffic.
- Be mindful that deer travel in groups - If you spot one deer, there are often more nearby. Whitetail deer often travel in groups, so exercise caution even if the road appears clear after one deer crosses.
- Favor central lanes - Keeping in mind that deer will often emerge from the sides of the road, driving in central lanes will buy you an extra second or two to spot and respond to the deer (or miss it entirely).
- Remember to buckle up - While there are steps you can take to avoid hitting deer, collisions are, unfortunately, still a possibility. Therefore, follow this smart Missouri driving law and wear your seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Deer?
- Pull over safely - Move your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Check for injuries - If there are injuries to you or your passengers, call 911 immediately.
- Assess the damage - Inspect your car for damage. It's essential to make sure it's safe to continue driving. When evaluating the situation, take photographs of both the vehicle and the deer.
- Notify the police - Unlike some other states, Missouri doesn't require drivers to report to the police every deer collision. However, this is still a good step to take, as they can arrange for the handling of the carcass (or for the deer to be humanely treated, if it's still alive).
- Call a tow truck or drive to the nearest service center - Even if your car seems okay to drive, there could be hidden damage that affects its safety. Plus, sometimes, a deer collision can cause problems that worsen if not addressed promptly.
- Contact your insurance company - Report the accident to your insurance provider, even if there's minimal damage.
- Don't approach the hit deer - Regardless of whether you think it's alive or dead, stay away. If it's the former, it could unexpectedly jolt and hurt you.
- Additional notes about the deer carcass - Don't expect MoDOT to remove the carcass right away, especially if it's not blocking traffic or the flow of day-to-day operations (like mail delivery or commuters). Can you keep the carcass? In Missouri, you can indeed keep the deer but you'll need to receive permission from the Missouri Department of Conversation.
Common Vehicle Damaged Caused by Deer Collisions
- Front-end damage - Deer collisions often result in damage to the front of the vehicle. This can include dented or smashed hoods, fenders, and bumpers, which not only affect the vehicle's aesthetics but also its structural integrity and safety.
- Windshield damage - Deer can shatter windshields, a problem that needs to be addressed immediately in order for the vehicle to be driven safely.
- Headlight damage - The impact of a deer collision can damage headlights and turn signals. This not only affects visibility but also the vehicle's safety.
- Radiator and cooling system damage - The deer's impact can damage the vehicle's radiator and cooling system, leading to overheating and engine damage.
- Suspension and steering damage - Collisions with deer can cause suspension and steering damage, affecting the vehicle's ability to handle and maneuver properly.
- Airbag deployment - In more severe collisions with deer, the vehicle's airbags may deploy, resulting in the need for airbag replacement.
- Paint damage - Deer collisions can result in scratches, dents, and paint damage on various parts of the vehicle.
- Engine and transmission damage - In extreme cases, the impact of a deer collision can damage the vehicle's engine and transmission, leading to significant repair costs.
What to Expect When You Bring in Your Vehicle to Bo Beuckman Service Center After Hitting a Deer
When you bring your car to Bo Beuckman Service Center following a deer collision, you can expect swift action and full transparency. We appreciate that hitting a deer can be quite emotionally jarring and will do everything we can to make the post-accident experience as smooth as possible.
First, we conduct a thorough inspection with the goal of uncovering any hidden or internal damage that may have occurred. We'll then provide you with a full report and cost estimate so you can make informed decisions about your options. We promise honesty, letting you know what repairs would be cosmetic versus essential.
You can rest assured that you're in capable hands when you turn to Bo Beuckman following your deer collision. After all . . .
- We continue to earn exceptional customer ratings - Bo Beuckman has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 1700+ Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
- Well-trained factory technicians - Our team of factory-trained technicians combines experience with up-to-date knowledge of the latest vehicles and repair practices. This ensures that your vehicle receives the best service in a timely manner.
- Fast and efficient repairs - Our well-stocked parts center allows us to diagnose and fix your vehicle quickly, minimizing downtime. We strive to get your Ford vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.
- Convenience and peace of mind - We understand that car repairs can be stressful, especially after hitting a deer. To make your life easier, we offer services like "Early Bird" and "Night Owl" drop-off with "park-and-lock" options. We can even pick up your vehicle, service it, and return it to you. Additionally, we provide pick-up and delivery service.
