Avoiding Dangerous Deer-Car Crashes in Virginia

The odds of hitting a deer in Virginia are one in 102.  Virginia has more than five and a half million licensed drivers.  This means that there will be more than 540,000 deer-car crashes on Virginia highways this year. Most of these accidents will be minor, but many will result in expensive property damage.  Others will cause serious injury and even death.
 
How can you avoid deer collisions while driving?

• Remember that deer are most active between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Slow down, so you can stop if necessary.
 
• Watch for posted deer crossing signs. These signs mean deer frequent the area.
 
• When driving on country roads and in isolated areas, use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the sides of the road.   Remember to turn them off when other drivers approach.
 
• Remember deer travel in herds; if you see one, there are likely to be others nearby.
 
• If you see a deer on the road, slow down and prepare to stop. You can flick your lights until the deer moves away, but don’t honk; a startled deer will often run right into a honking car.
 
•  If a collision with the deer is unavoidable, try not to swerve. Brake and hold the wheel straight. Turning the wheel could result in a more serious accident with another car or may cause your car to spin out of control
 
No, you can’t sue a deer for damages if you are injured in a Virginia deer-car accident. However, your injuries should be covered under your own insurance policy.
 
To learn more about what to do if you have been injured in an accident, download Norfolk car crash attorney Lawrence Land’s free guide, “5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim”.  If you have additional questions or would like to 
schedule a free consultation with Mr. Land, contact our Virginia personal injury law office at 757-251-0198.