White Tail Crashes to Rise in Next Two Months

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Wild life experts warn South Carolina drivers about dangers of crashing with white-tailed deer actively crossing state roads this season. Deer-vehicle crashes are expected to increase this month until November, which is a concern both for insurance providers and wildlife advocates. The statistics were on steady rise this year, causing damages to hundreds of animal, vehicle, and persons. Experts estimate that such accident happens in the United States every 26 seconds. There were about 2.4 million such incidents last year with people driving light vehicles, such as sedans and motorcycles, most likely to get the worst out of any incident. Analysts say statewide South Carolina auto insurance premium could be affected in several areas if the trend continues.

White Tail Crashes to Rise in Next Two MonthsSpecialists all over United States agree that deer-vehicle crashes are one of the major concerns for highway safety. In Wisconsin, these antelopes are third most commonly hit object in the highway, just behind vehicles striking each other and vehicles hitting stationary objects. In Indiana, statistics went higher by 22 percent compared to 2004 records. In Michigan, a motorist has one in 78 chances of running across deer. Other states that rank among the worst for antelope collisions are Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Wild life specialists say white tail deer, which could weigh up to 286 pounds, are most commonly involved in this kind of crash.

Experts note that these types of accidents cost insurers and drivers alike. Insurance providers say accidents involving these animals typically cost more than $3,000. They add that hitting an antelope weighing almost 300 pounds at normal highway speed could severely damage a car, leaving it unusable. Motorcycle-deer accidents have more serious outcomes, with 98 percent of such incidents causing either injury or fatality to the driver.

Insurance carriers say motorists should be more mindful of deer activity during October and November since they are breeding seasons for these antelopes. They also tell policyholders to immediately report to them accident involving deer so they can start claim monetary coverage. Highway Patrol or local law reinforcement should likewise be informed so they can take appropriate measures. They add that an animal killed by road accidents may be kept for consumption as long as an incident report could be presented which verifies that the animal was not killed in hunting.

Meanwhile, analysts say that insurance cost could rise up in deer-crash prone states. They say rising number of deer crashes places drivers at higher risk levels and increases their likelihood of filing for a claim. Wild life advocates call out to motorists to follow safety measures so they can avoid engaging in a deer crash.