SEATTLE, Wash.-Wildlife-vehicle collisions dropped in 2022, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, even as traffic returned to pre-Pandemic levels.
As the weather continues to get colder the odds of wildlife-vehicle collisions increase as animals move down from mountains and can unexpectedly run onto roadways.
According to the Northwest Insurance Council, the highest number of wildlife-vehicle collisions happen in November.
“Collisions between vehicles and large animals can cause severe damage and serious injury to drivers and passengers,” said Kenton Brine, NW Insurance Council president. “
Drivers in Washington have a one-in-286 chance of hitting a deer according to a 2022/2023 analysis by State Farm.
A standard auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage to your car if you hit an animal, according to the NW Insurance Council, however, there are some tips you should take on the road to keep you and your car safe.
Defensive driving tips from the NW Insurance Council:
Be attentive: Sunset to midnight and just before and after sunrise are the times when deer-vehicle collisions are most likely.Use caution: Slow down and pay attention when driving through wildlife zones.Deer seldom run alone: If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.Night driving: If there is no oncoming traffic use your high beams for better visibility.Brake firmly: If you see a deer or elk in your lane break firmly, but try to stay in your lane. Many crashes happen from swerving or leaving your lane.Pull over: If you hit an animal pull to the side of the road and call law enforcement.
