Deer season opens Saturday, November 3rd and hunters
are not the only ones who need to be prepared. Texas drivers should be on
high-alert for deer this month. November records more deer-related car
crashes than any other month in Texas. Deer-related auto accidents are 19% of
all auto accidents in Texas in November. October, 14%, and December, 12%, have
the second and third most.
Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution in deer zones, be aware of high-risk times (dawn and dusk). If you do encounter deer, slow down and be aware that more are likely nearby, avoid swerving or slamming on your brakes. The average amount spent to fix a car involved in a deer strike also has increased by $200 to $4,341 per claim.
Drivers are urged to use extra caution and slow-down in known deer zones, use high beams when appropriate during dusk to dawn driving, scan the road and avoid swerving when you see a deer, always wear your seatbelt, and do not rely on deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.
Should you have an accident involving a deer, move your vehicle to a safe place off the roadway and turn on your hazard lights, take photographs of the road and your surroundings and damage to your vehicle, quickly file your insurance claim, and look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights or other hazards regarding your vehicle. Do not attempt to aid the animal. Wounded deer can use their legs and hooves to harm you. Notify the game warden through the county Sheriff’s office.
