[October 10, 2008]

Deer mating time raises the risk of auto crashes in Midlands, nation

(Omaha World-Herald (NE) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 10--It's mating time for deer, and that means insurance companies are worried about the animals running across highways.

Deer-vehicle crashes are up 43.7 percent in Nebraska from five years ago, according to State Farm Insurance claims data, and new Federal Highway Administration figures indicate that one of every 155 vehicles in the state will hit a deer over the coming year.

Such collisions can be fatal from hitting the deer or other vehicles. Drivers also can be killed running off the road to avoid the animals.

The rate is even higher in Iowa, at one deer-vehicle collision for every 105 vehicles, fourth in the nation behind West Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Nebraska ranks 18th in the rate of such collisions.

Nationally, the chance of hitting a deer is one out of 209 vehicles, with the number of collisions up 14.9 percent in the past five years, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The chance increases in the fall because deer, especially males, are more active, ranging farther in their territories to find mates. Deer herds also migrate to different feeding grounds.

That means they are more likely to run through unfamiliar territory and cross highways and roads, increasing the risk of a deer-vehicle crash.

State Farm said its average claim from such collisions is $2,950, up 2.5 percent from last year. Nationally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said the 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions cause more than 150 deaths, thousands of injuries, $3.6 billion in property damage and $1 billion in medical bills.

The number of collisions is increasing because deer populations are up, new streets and roads are reaching into former farmland and undeveloped property, including areas near deer habitats, State Farm said.

Deer-avoidance tips from the Insurance Information Institute of New York City:

--Deer can be close to or inside urban areas, not just in the countryside.

--Pay attention to deer-crossing signs, which indicate active areas for deer.

--Deer are most active from sunset to midnight and in the hours just before or after sunrise.

--Set headlights on bright unless there's oncoming traffic.

--If you see one deer, others often are nearby.

--Car-mounted "deer whistles" don't chase away deer.

--Brake firmly to avoid hitting a deer, but stay in your lane so you don't swerve into another vehicle or lose control.

--If you see a deer, slow down safely because it may dart into traffic.

--Be sure to wear a seat belt. About 60 percent of people killed in fatal animal crashes were not wearing seat belts.

--If you hit a deer, don't go near it. Injured animals can injure you. Call the police immediately if the deer is blocking the roadway or poses a danger to motorists.

--Call your insurance agent, because hitting a deer is covered under standard comprehensive auto policies.

--Contact the writer: 444-1080, steve.jordon@owh.com

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