Charlotte, N.C. (December 3, 2020) – AAA is urging motorists to keep an eye out for deer on the road this season in order to avoid collisions.
October through December is considered by AAA to be “the worst months of the year for vehicle collisions with animals.”
“A collision with a deer endangers the passengers, as well as the vehicle and the deer,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “During this season we urge motorists to be on the lookout and always scan the sides of roads for animals, especially deer.”
In 2019, there were 20,335 reported animal collisions in North Carolina, of which 90% are assumed to be deer. The months of October through December account for 51% of those crashes (10,375), according to NCDOT. In the most recent data provided by the SCDPS, South Carolina reported 3,086 collisions with animals in 2019.
AAA encourages motorists to keep these tips in mind when on the road:
- Most deer are active between 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. so pay extra attention during this time if you’re out on the road.
- If you see a deer, slow down and watch out for other deer that may follow.
- While slowing down, honk your horn to scare the animal.
- Brake firmly and do not swerve.
In the event of a collision, AAA says:
- Do not make eye contact with the deer.
- Turn your hazard lights on.
- Move the car to a safe location.
- Call local law enforcement or highway patrol for insurance purposes.
- To report an injured deer in North Carolina, call the NCDNR’s Wildlife Enforcement Division at (800) 662-7137. To report an injured deer in South Carolina, call the SCDNR office at (803) 734-3886 to locate a rehabilitator near you.
- When in North Carolina, deer-related crashes should be reported to the NC Department of Transportation. When in South Carolina, deer-related crashes should be reported to the SC Department of Transportation.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.