Deer are most active during changes in seasonal weather, and the increase in their activity can pose a risk to drivers and their cars. According to claims data from State Farm® and the Federal Highway Administration, drivers in the United States experienced 1.33 million deer-related car accidents between July 2017 and June 2018. Practicing defensive driving is the best way to protect yourself, but when deer-related accidents are unavoidable, the need for collision repairs might become inevitable. Use these tips to preserve your life and the life of your vehicle during deer season. 

How to Avoid Car Accidents During Deer Season

1. Be on the Lookout

Knowing when and where you are most likely to encounter deer while on the road can help you avoid collisions in the first place. It’s important to drive carefully through wooded areas at both dusk and dawn, as deer tend to be especially active during these parts of the day. States in the Midwest with particularly dense deer populations also tend to see the most activity as winter transitions into spring. 

2. Don’t Swerve

A natural reaction when a deer jumps out on the road is to swerve to avoid it. However, this can lead to front-end collisions with other cars, or cause you to lose control and spin out. If a deer jumps in front of your car, firmly apply the brakes with both hands on the steering wheel. Even if you can’t completely avoid hitting the animal, staying in your lane and not swerving will help minimize auto body damage and prevent collisions with third-party objects.

In the Event of an Accident, Get Collision Repairs From a Pro

Taking your car to a specialist after a deer-related auto accident can salvage the structural integrity and look of your vehicle. Take your vehicle to a body shop with technicians who are I-CAR® and ASE® certified. These credentials let you know that the people working on your car are experts in collision repairs. Even if the extent of your needed car repairs is fairly minor, you should opt for immediate assistance to prevent exacerbating the issues.

Some accidents are unavoidable. If you’ve suffered a deer-related incident, visit Precision Collision & Auto Glass of Frankfort in Benzie County, MI. These ASE-certified collision repair technicians, who specialize in car detailing, rust protection, windshield replacement, and dent repair, can get your vehicle back on the road quickly. For more information about their collision repair services, give them a call at (231) 352-7948 or visit them online.