Each year in the United States, there are approximately 1.5 million deer-related accidents involving automobiles, resulting in more than $1 billion in insurance claims. These incidents account for about 200 fatalities and 10,000 injuries annually. With these sobering statistics in mind, The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recently launched its “Don’t Veer For a Deer” awareness campaign for the winter holiday season, which is the time many deer are out and actively searching for a mate. Keep reading to learn more about deer-related car accidents in Tennessee.
Deer-Related Car Accidents in Tennessee
A TWRA spokesperson recently took to social media to remind Tennessee drivers of these deer dangers and implored them to avoid swerving their vehicles should a deer cross their path. During the mating season, which occurs primarily in November and December, deer are less aware of their surroundings and can often jump out in front of cars, causing serious accidents.
How To Reduce Dangerous Encounters with Deer While Driving
To help keep you and others safe, here are some helpful statistics and data to be aware of, which can assist in reducing dangerous encounters with deer while driving:
- The most dangerous times of day are at dusk and dawn when deer are most active. These times also have lower driver visibility, which increases the risks.
- Studies show that nights with a full moon or nearly full moon are the riskiest because deer are more active when the night sky is lit.
- As always, avoid smartphone use and distractions while driving. Deer can jump onto roadways out of nowhere. So taking your eyes off the road, even briefly, can lead to a serious accident.
- If you are traveling on a highway or road with multiple lanes, it is safest to remain in the center lane.
- As recommended by the TWRA, you should not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Swerving may lead to a more serious accident than just a deer collision. Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and/or collide with other automobiles.
- If you strike a deer, it’s important to remain calm. Move your vehicle to a safe place off the road out of the way and turn on your hazard lights.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found these tips and reminders helpful and that you stay safe during the heightened presence of deer this time of year. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and seriously injured, contact our Nashville-based office at 615-244-2111 for a free and confidential consultation. We will be happy to review your case at no cost to you. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Stay safe out there — because we care.
