Winter in Wisconsin
It’s mating season, and Wisconsinites know what that means. From now until December, deer and other wild animals will be out in droves, oblivious to their own safety. It’s that time of year when at any given moment, a deer will come bolting out of nowhere and strike your vehicle with full force. It’s an unfortunate experience and one that is getting costlier.
According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 18,414 deer-vehicle collisions reported in 2019. That’s three times as many as alcohol-related crashes. From mid-October through November, nearly 7,000 deer-vehicle accidents occur in the state. Less dense foliage, higher animal activity levels, and an earlier setting sun collectively result in nearly 150 accidents per day during the seasonal peak. With more than 400 personal injuries on an annual basis.
A Costly Collision and Who To Trust With Your Vehicle
Ask anyone who has hit a deer and they’ll all agree that there’s really no such thing as a “minor” deer-vehicle crash.
Deer Collision Repair Costs
“When a deer smacks into your car, they collide with significant force,” says James Anderberg, manager at Ball Body Shop, 2225 Eagle Drive in Middleton, a division of Smart Motors. He says the average hit can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 with some smash-ups resulting in a total loss. And to make matters worse, these costs are going up.
Anderberg says the features that are currently on vehicles to help keep drivers and passengers safe are one of the reasons repair costs are on the rise.
Wondering if hitting a deer might total your car? “Deer commonly take out the hood, grille, air conditioning condenser, the radiator, fan assembly, and front inner structure components,” Anderberg says. “But more and more, we’ve had to replace sensors, cameras, and other high-tech safety features.”
Anderberg says some auto manufacturers are said to be refining collision-warning systems to help alert drivers to deer. “For now, though, there’s not a front crash prevention system that is calibrated to recognize deer or other animals,” he says.
State Farm Insurance says the national reported cost per claim from hitting a deer rose 6 percent to more than $4,100 from about $3,900 in 2014 and then rose to $4,341 in 2018. And while a driver’s comprehensive insurance coverage should absorb these costs. Many drivers elect not to carry comprehensive and therefore have to pay out of pocket.
Anderberg acknowledges that the situation is unfortunate. But, he assures Ball Body Shop has the expertise required to fix any deer crash incident.
Tips to Avoid Deer-Vehicle Collisions
- Always use caution when driving – especially at dusk and into the evening hours. When light levels are low animals are more active.
- Complacency equals negligence. Stay alert, focused, and pay attention – be aware of the landscape and your environment.
- Deer generally travel in small groups. If one crosses the road, odds are there are others nearby that might attempt crossing. Watch for and recognize deer crossing signs.
- Sometimes it makes sense to hit the deer. This might sound callous, but if the choice comes down to hitting a deer or swerving over the centerline, hitting the deer will cause less damage. It also reduces mortality rates.
- Be a speed limit driver, higher speeds reduce reaction times – going the speed limit increases travel safety.
- Keep your lights, brakes, and tires well maintained for optimal performance. Buckle up, don’t tailgate, and remember to slow it down.
- Prepare for the unexpected.
To prevent an accident in the first place, Anderberg recommends avoiding high-density areas where deer congregate after dark. Rural and suburban roads with zig-zagging stretches, long straightaways, uphill corners, sharp curves, dense culverts, and low lighting can all overlap. These can create dangerous choke-points where accidents may occur.
About Ball Body Shop
Ball Body Shop, the official body shop of Smart Motors, opened its doors in 1950. They provide the Madison area with customized, cost-effective auto-body services to all domestic and imported vehicle makes. Ball Body Shop has been voted “Best Body Shop” by the readers of Madison Magazine over the years. Ball Body Shop is located at 2225 Eagle Drive, Middleton WI. Phone #: 608.831.5944.
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