North Dakota Drivers Will Hit 40k Deer in 2016
North Dakota Drivers Will Hit More Than 40,000 Deer on Roadways in 2016 Alone
Motorists warned to be alert and cautious during peak deer season
During deer season, it’s even more important to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road while driving. As a North Dakota driver, the odds of hitting a deer with your car are 1 out of 91. According to State Farm Insurance, an estimated 1.3 million drivers – 1 out of 164 drivers – in the United States will submit insurance claims for hitting a deer. The average national cost for deer accident claims in 2015-2016 was $3,995.08.
North Dakota is ranked one of the top states for deer-vehicle collisions and it’s estimated that more than 40,000 deer will be hit by motorists. Hitting a deer between October through December is even more likely since those months are peak deer mating and hunting season.
Because drivers face an increased risk of deer collisions, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department issued a warning advisory for motorists to be extra cautious and stay vigilant when driving on North Dakota roadways, especially during peak deer season. The North Dakota Department of Transportation reported that November has the highest number of deer-related crashes. You are also more likely to hit a deer between the morning hours of 7 am to 8 am and during the evening hours between 6 pm to 10 pm.
If you see one deer cross your path, it is likely that a second or third deer will follow since they travel in groups. Also, headlights confuse deer and may cause them to jump erratically or stop in the middle of the road. Pay attention to deer crossing signs, especially in remote areas with heavy wildlife populations.
After the fall harvest, there is more deer activity because they seek out new protective covering to hide from predators. During summer months, crops such as wheat and sunflowers provide much-needed cover to keep them safe. Even though mating season begins in mid-November, continue to drive cautiously on North Dakota roads until early December. No matter the time of year, it’s always important to be a defensive driver and watch for deer. To avoid deer accidents, don’t use cruise control and when driving at night, look for reflective eyes in the dark.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, if you accidentally hit and kill a deer you don’t have to report the crash if your vehicle is damaged and you can still drive your vehicle to your destination. If your vehicle is inoperable, contact law enforcement for roadside assistance. North Dakota law specifies if you or passengers are injured or there is a fatality you must immediately report the deer accident to law enforcement.
Dealing with your insurance company after a car crash is tricky and complicated. If you or loved ones have been injured as a result of a deer accident, reach out to Larson Law Firm, P.C. today. Our skilled North Dakota accident attorneys can sit down with you one-on-one to discuss your legal options. To set up your free consultation, contact us online or call 701-484-4878. For your convenience, we make home and hospital visits if you are unable to drive to our office in Minot.