Heads up! Your car’s collision system may not stop in time for deer

Heads up! Your car's collision system may not stop in time for deer

The automobile industry has made strides in the past years to make the roads safer for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. With newer features like adaptive cruise control, heads up navigation and collision mitigation systems, it's easy to feel untouchable on the roadways. But it's essential to remember those systems can't always brake in time if a deer darts in front of your vehicle.

"It's great for modern vehicles to have added collision mitigation systems that do assist them, when possible," said Rich Steffen, president of personal lines at American Family Insurance. "However, we don't want drivers to rely on them or become overconfident with those added features as they can't always protect you against fast moving or sudden obstacles, like a deer or other animal."

Wisconsin had the most deer-related claims processed for American Family Insurance in 2023 with 10,543 paid claims. In Wisconsin, 14 people were killed, 12 of which were motorcyclists, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. States rounding out the top five include Washington, Utah, South Dakota and Oregon.

If you do encounter a deer or larger animal on the road, follow these tips to stay safe:

• Buckle up and stay alert. Always wear your seatbelt because most people injured in deer-vehicle collisions were not buckled up. Avoid distractions while driving, including your phone. Pay close attention to the road and surrounding areas at dawn and dusk, when visibility is low, and deer are more active.
• Expect more than one. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and watch for others, as they often travel in groups.
• Don't swerve if you see a deer. If you see a deer on the road, brake and firmly blow your horn - only flashing your headlights may not be effective. Do not swerve if you are unable to stop. Swerving can lead to injury if you hit a tree or another vehicle.

What to do if you hit a deer:

• Stay off the road and away from the animal. Move your car off the road, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. Stay away from the animal because wounded animal can become frightened and may act aggressively.

• Report the accident. You may be legally required to report an accident to local authorities. State law may require an accident report if there is significant damage. This documentation will also be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company.
• Take photos. Take photos of your car and the accident scene if it is safe to do so. Stay off the road and away from the animal.
• Contact your insurance company to report your claim. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive section of your auto insurance policy. Since comprehensive coverage is optional, be sure to check your auto insurance policy for specific coverages.

Although most animal-vehicle collisions occur with deer, damage can also be caused by other animals. Rodents can cause significant damage by chewing on wires or creating nests in a car when seeking a source of heat during the colder months. In the past year, rodents, dogs, rabbits and other miscellaneous animals caused an average of over $2,000 in vehicle damage for American Family customers.

American Family Insurance receives hundreds of claims for domestic, farm and other wild animal automobile and motorcycle collisions every month. These tips can be applied to collisions with other types of animals, such as cows or moose, to keep you safe on the roads this season.

# # #

About the American Family Insurance Group
American Family Insurance Group, a mutual holding company based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance Group is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 243 on the Fortune 500 list. The Group has a current 'A+' credit rating through AM Best and has distinction as a "Standing the Test of Time" company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of 'A' or better for 75 years. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance Group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance have approximately 12,000 employees nationwide.