Living in Minnesota you’ve most likely had at least one close call with a deer at some point. Late fall is peak season for collisions when the deer are mating. This year unlike any other year there has been an explosion in deer population. The trend of deer-car collisions is only likely to increase. Each year, there are more than 1.5 million crashes involving deer, causing an estimated $1.1 billion in vehicle damages, 150 lives lost, and more than 10,000 injuries. The average cost per claim can rise up to almost an astonishing $3,000, depending on severity and vehicle type. When someone gets hurt it tends to rise up to the $10,000 mark. We at Agency 10 Insurance want to make sure you are safe this fall and you know what you can do to not only avoid a accident but to know what to do when you get into a deer-car collision.

Although attentive driving is still the best deterrent for such accidents; here are some defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer. Most deer-car collisions happen between sunset to midnight. Make sure you are especially attentive during those hours of the day. Make sure to drive slowly through deer crossings, if you see one deer you will most likely see another so be aware.

Use your brights when there is no oncoming traffic, it illuminates the deer's eyes. Make sure if you do encounter a deer to slow down and give it one long blast of your horn to frighten the deer away. Make sure to stay in your lane, if you need brake firmly, but try not to hit any other cars or lose control of your own car. Always wear your seat belt; most people injured in deer-car collision weren’t wearing their seat belt.

If you do hit a deer, make sure to get your car off the road if possible. Do not touch the animal, it can cause harm to you or itself if frightened. Always call the police. Make sure to contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car.