Vehicle, wild animal crashes increase in fall and winter Published Dec. 3, 2015 By Steve Serrette 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- During this time of year, the risk for motorists being involved in a wild animal crash becomes greatly increased.In Oklahoma, the main issue comes from deer. When it comes to deer collisions, Oklahoma is not really considered a "high-risk state" -- like let's say, West Virginia -- but the odds of a collision remain higher than Texas and California, according to one Oklahoma insurance agent. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Inform-ation Institute statistics show there are more than 1.6 million car accidents with deer each year that result in more than $3.6 billion in vehicle damage, about 150 human fatalities and over 10,000 personal injuries. An additional billion dollars is spent on medical payments for injuries to passengers and out-of-pocket expenses paid by vehicle owners, bringing the total cost to approximately $4.6 billion. The average claim for deer-vehicle collisions is $3,000, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of the damage. The actual numbers are probably higher because the NHTSA's figures for deer accidents rely on inconsistent state reporting -- there is no standard reporting of deer accidents in the country yet, and a "reportable deer accident" varies significantly between states. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that deer-vehicle crashes are more likely to occur in rural areas where the speed limit is 55 mph or higher, and more often between dusk and dawn. Insurance records also reveal that motorcycle riders account for about half the deaths in such collisions. Public safety officials say in the event your vehicle hits a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should call the police immediately. Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to file a claim if there is damage to your car or truck. Collisions with a deer or other animals are covered under the comprehensive portion of your insurance policy. "We've had some pretty bad damages from deer-vehicle accidents," Carol Minkley, Farmers Insurance Group, said. "The only good thing is if you hit a deer, it does not go against your driving record." Tips to avoid deer accidents and stay safe and alive: · Be attentive when driving. And slow down as the posted speed limit is meant for driving under ideal conditions. · The constant threat of a wild animal collision is yet another reason for you to buckle up. A utilized seatbelt provides the best defense for minimizing your risk in a collision. · Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m. They also like to travel in herds -- if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby. · Use high-beam headlights when driving in deer territory to increase your vision and increase your time to react to a deer hiding on the roadside who decides to jump in front of your car. · The use of car-mounted "deer whistles" do not seem to affect deer and may result in drivers being less aware. These devices don't work! Watch out! · If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, it is usually best not to swerve to avoid it. Brake and hold the wheel straight. Turning the wheel to avoid the deer may result in a worse accident with another car, or cause the car to spin out of control resulting in a much more serious crash. · Stay away from the animal. Sometimes animals are merely knocked unconscious, and a frightened or wounded wild animal can lash out and cause you some very serious injuries. Continue to remain focused on your healthy longevity upon this earth and the Quest for Safety. (Some parts of this article thanks to ardmorite.com)