Each year in the US, there are roughly 1.5 million car accidents involving deer. At some point in our lives, we are all bound to experience this type of collision. Not only will hitting a deer damage your car, but it can also result in serious injuries.
While auto body repair shops can fix your vehicle and make it look new again, it’s probably not an event you want to experience. That’s why we’re here.
We want to discuss how to avoid hitting deer and other animals on the road. Keep reading for a quick guide on watching out for wildlife from your Limerick PA auto body collision repair specialists.
Slow Down and Pay Special Attention When Deer and Other Animals Are Most Active
If you didn’t already know, deer and other animals are most active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. Unfortunately, it’s during this time that they’re also the most difficult to see. It’s not quite dark enough for your headlight to have a full effect but not quite light enough for you to see clearly.
Therefore, during these twilight hours, it’s important to take things slow and stay extra vigilant if you want to avoid a trip to auto body repair shops.
Don’t Drive Distracted
One of the most important rules of the road is to avoid driving while distracted. Taking your eyes off the road for mere seconds is enough to cause an accident.
Common driving distractions include:
- Smartphones, radios, and other electronics
- Friends, pets, and other passengers
- Roadside distractions
- Multi-taking (putting on makeup, eating, looking for gum, etc.)
Drive responsibly and keep your full attention on the road. If you get distracted and hit a deer in the middle of nowhere, you’ll have to get towed to the nearest auto body repair shop. The towing bill can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if you don’t have roadside assistance coverage.
Use Your Headlights Wisely
Another tip to avoid hitting deer and other wildlife is to learn how to use your headlights appropriately. For example, it’s important to use your high beams when possible to illuminate more of the road and the landscape on either side. This will help you spot animals much easier.
However, you shouldn’t use your high beams if there is oncoming traffic or if you’re driving behind someone. Additionally, using your brights will reduce your visibility during fog, heavy rainfall, and heavy snowfall. The light will reflect off the rain, fog, or snow and make it more difficult to see.
There’s Usually More Than One
Finally, remember that deer rarely travel alone to avoid needing an auto body repair shop. If you see one, there are probably more.
If a deer crosses the road well in front of you, slow down and keep your eyes peeled. It’s quite likely that several more will attempt to cross.
Looking for Auto Body Repair Near Me After a Deer Collision?
We hope this guide helps you avoid hitting deer or any other animals on the road. Take things slowly, stay focused, and remember that deer travel in groups.
If the worse happens and you need help repairing your car, we can help. Contact our auto body repair shop to schedule an appointment or to get an estimate for your needs. We can help you get your car back to the way it was before your collision.