Deer and Moose Are Deadly Road Hazards

2. Deer and Moose Are Deadly Road Hazards The first sign that you're about to hit a deer often comes when your headlights catch the shimmer of its eyes. A moose is even harder to see, since neither a moose's eyes nor its coat reflects light.

3. Collisions between vehicles and wildlife often occur suddenly, and they can occur anywhere. They're becoming more common, too, as animal populations increase. If you're confronted with an animal on or near the road, will you know what to do?

4. When do accidents occur? Although accidents involving animals can occur at any time of the day, you should be especially alert between dusk and dawn, since animals tend to wander in search for food during these hours. And although accidents can occur during any season, they're more likely to occur during breeding season.

5. While you're more likely to collide with a moose during the summer months (accidents generally peak between June and August), collisions with deer occur more frequently in the fall, with November being the peak month in many communities.

6. Preventing a collision Animals may act unpredictably when encountering your vehicle. A frightened deer may freeze when it sees headlights, or run into the side of your vehicle in an effort to escape. A moose may bolt into the road, or stand in the road unfazed as you approach.

7. While you can't always anticipate what an animal will do, you can reduce your chances of having a serious accident by following these tips: Keep your speed down, especially at night Turn on your high beams when driving at night Wear your seatbelt Be especially alert when driving through an area where you routinely see wildlife

8. Look far down the road, and pay attention to the sides of the road, particularly in rural or forested areas Pay attention to warning signs marking high-risk areas Watch out for cars suddenly slowing down or stopping ahead of you--other drivers may spot an animal before you do

9. If you see one animal, assume that there will be others following Try slowing down, braking, and sounding your horn to avoid hitting an animal Because of a moose's size (moose often weigh over 1,000 pounds), a collision with a moose can be especially dangerous.

10. Moose are much taller than deer, and may topple onto your vehicle's windshield or passenger compartment if hit. If you can't avoid hitting a moose, try to hit it on the hindquarters or at an angle to keep it from falling directly on your vehicle and seriously injuring you or your passengers.

11. If you can't avoid a collision If you do hit an animal, try to move to the side of the road and call the police. If possible, warn other drivers of the danger by flashing your lights. And don't touch an injured animal--it may react unpredictably.

12. If your vehicle has been damaged, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Damage to your vehicle will generally be covered under the comprehensive portion of your policy, after you've satisfied any deductible that applies.