Bucks Cost Bucks, Does Cost Dough

North America’s Collision Repair Experts Weigh in on the Hefty Costs of Hitting a Deer 

 

It’s the yearly battle of the bumpers versus the bucks, the does against the doors.  Both sides lose when car and deer collide, but a measure of defensive driving can reduce the risks.

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts in the St. Louis area say the regularity and severity of deer-related accidents are growing as quickly as the deer population in certain markets. And, with the cold-weather months supplying peak season for deer-vehicle crashes, this risk is rising.

The truth is, over forty percent of CARSTAR store owners report a twenty five percent boost in deer-related injuries, while some nearly 12 percent report a fifty percent increase and five percent have noticed a whopping 75 percent boost within their areas. That deer-related crash could be pricy -- just about seventy percent of CARSTAR store owners gauge that an average cost of a deer-related crash repair is between $2,500 and $4,999, while some five percent of repairs are anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.

A current survey by State Farm confirms the trend.  U.S. drivers are 3 percent more inclined to hit a deer in the following twelve months as opposed to this past year, specifically in October, November and December. The cost is rising, also, and is anticipated to be almost 14 percent greater than this past year.

A new trend is emerging, and one that doesn’t bode well for driver or deer – the serial deer crash motorist.  As soon as a driver has been around a deer-related accident, their own probability of having another one are going up.  Most of these motorists have a home in deer-filled areas, drive in the early morning or early evening when deer are out and about, or just really are ill-fated with bucks.

Greg Walter, a suburban Atlanta resident, is merely one example.  He’s had 17 deer-related crashes throughout the last decade!

“I’m uncertain of why they aim for my vehicle, but they sure do,” said Walter.  “I’ve totaled a few company cars, and it’s become so bad that a few of my work colleagues put deer heads on my truck door similar to a WWII fighter pilot.  I’ve experimented with a variety of headlights, deer whistles, everything.  I think I simply need to have a retainer at my local CARSTAR shop.”

Drive Defensively to Escape Deer Dangers

This year, some 1.5 million motorists will hit deer, and November is the top month for deer-related mishaps in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon and Lake St. Louis, Missouri.  But drivers can easily stay away from a car accident with a buck by following some smart driving techniques this fall and winter.

Early morning and dusk are the worst times for deer crashes, as visibility is restricted and deer tend to be on the move. It is essential to drive defensively and anticipate the potential for deer in the roadway.

The motor vehicle experts at Jungerman CARSTAR, who repair a huge number of vehicles annually from deer-related mishaps, provide the following tips to decrease the deer danger:

1.    Use extra caution at daybreak and dusk and around golf courses, fields and wooded areas.

2.    Bear in mind that deer travel in packs – if you locate one, there are certainly likely more behind it.

3.    Do not swerve to get around striking a deer, since that increases the threat of hitting another car or losing control over the vehicle.

4.    Should there be no opposing traffic, use high beams after dark to better light up deer.

5.    Try not to rely on gear such as deer whistles, that are coupled to the surface of a automobile, in order to scare off deer with an supersonic or high-frequency sound. They have not been proven to shrink deer-vehicle collisions.

6.    If a deer keeps on the road after you strike it, report the occurrence to the game commission or a community law enforcement department, because deer presents a threat to other motorists. If the deer still is alive, don't get near it since a wild animal with sharp hooves can easily impose injury.

7.    If an accident with a deer really does happen, it pays to be safe. Many individuals never understand that holding solely collision coverage doesn't cover damage from a deer collision, leaving them with a damaged vehicle and a major repair expense.  To totally deal with any possible problems, people really should carry comprehensive insurance that deals with such crashes. For all those driving an older automobile who think their cars are not worth the expense of the insurance coverage, it’s wise to maintain an “accident fund” for if anything does occur.

If a vehicle owner ends up stranded with a busted car or truck after a deer collision, they could always call 1-800-CARSTAR. Jungerman CARSTAR will send the tow truck, contact their insurance company and help the vehicle owner get back on the highway.

Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri offers high-quality, trusted repair service at more than 430 locations in 30 states and ten Canadian provinces. Just simply call 1-800-CARSTAR if you want a car repair, and they will send the tow truck, contact your insurer, arrange for a rental car and repair your car. For additional information and store locations, check out www.auto-body-st-peters-mo.com.