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When You Hit a Deer, Speed Up? The Truth About Deer Collisions

The short answer is a resounding NO. You should never speed up when you see a deer and a collision is imminent. The advice to accelerate is an outdated and dangerous myth that can significantly increase the severity of the impact and the potential for serious injury or death. Instead, your immediate reaction should be to slow down as safely as possible.

The belief that speeding up might somehow “lift” the front of your car, causing the deer to be thrown over the vehicle, is based on flawed logic and a misunderstanding of physics. In reality, increasing your speed only increases the force of the impact. The result is more damage to your vehicle, a greater chance of injury to yourself and any passengers, and a higher likelihood of the deer ending up inside your car, not over it.

Consider this: a deer is a large, solid object, often weighing between 100 and 300 pounds or more. Hitting such an object at even moderate speeds can cause significant damage. Increasing your speed doesn’t make the deer lighter or more aerodynamic; it simply makes the collision more violent.

The best course of action when encountering a deer on or near the road is to prioritize prevention. Be especially vigilant during dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. Pay attention to deer crossing signs and be aware of your surroundings. If you spot a deer, here’s a breakdown of the recommended steps:

Slow Down: Gently apply the brakes. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause you to lose control, especially on wet or slippery roads.
Sound Your Horn: A short burst of the horn may startle the deer and encourage it to move away from the road. Avoid prolonged honking, which can confuse the animal.
Stay in Your Lane: Avoid swerving. Swerving is a dangerous maneuver that can cause you to lose control, cross into oncoming traffic, or even roll your vehicle.
Brace for Impact: If a collision is unavoidable, brace yourself and maintain control of the steering wheel as best as possible.
After the Impact: Once you’ve hit the deer, pull over to the side of the road in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights.
Assess the Situation: Check for injuries to yourself and your passengers.
Call for Help: Contact the police or local authorities. They will handle the deer and file a report.
Document the Damage: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle. This documentation will be important when filing an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your top priority. Ignore the myths and focus on proven strategies for avoiding and mitigating the risks associated with deer collisions. By staying alert, driving defensively, and knowing what to do when you encounter a deer, you can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in a serious accident.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Deer and Car Accidents

Here are some frequently asked questions addressing common concerns and misconceptions about deer collisions:

Pre-Collision Actions

Should you brake when you see a deer? Yes, you should gently brake to slow down. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause you to lose control. The goal is to reduce your speed as much as possible while maintaining control of your vehicle.
Is it better to swerve or hit a deer? It is generally safer to hit a deer than to swerve. Swerving increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, crossing into oncoming traffic, or running off the road. Studies show that more serious accidents occur when drivers swerve to avoid animals.
Is it bad to honk at deer? Honk your horn in short bursts. This may startle the deer and encourage it to move away from the road. Avoid prolonged honking, as this can confuse the animal.

Post-Collision Actions

Should you move a deer if you hit it? No, never approach or attempt to move a deer after an accident. It’s best to call the police, as the deer could pose a potential threat to other drivers.
What should you do immediately after hitting a deer? First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then, pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and call the police.
Do you have to call the police if you hit a deer? Yes, you should always call the police to report the accident. The police can assess the situation, move the deer, and create an accident report for your insurance.

Impact and Consequences

What happens if you hit a deer at 60 mph? Hitting a deer at 60 mph can cause significant damage to your vehicle, including damage to the radiator, engine, and body. It also increases the risk of serious injury to yourself and your passengers.
Is hitting a deer like hitting a brick wall? Some drivers have described the impact of hitting a deer as feeling similar to hitting a brick wall, highlighting the force involved. The most important way to avoid hitting a deer is to SLOW DOWN.
Can a deer survive being hit by a car? Deer are tough creatures and may survive the initial impact, however, they usually die shortly after.
Will a deer come back after being hit? An injured deer may return to its familiar territory after being hit, but it’s likely to associate the area with danger.

Insurance and Liability

Will hitting a deer make my insurance go up? Hitting a deer usually doesn’t cause your car insurance rate to increase, as it’s typically considered a comprehensive claim and not a chargeable accident.

Deer Behavior and Prevention

What is the most common time to hit a deer? Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, when many people are commuting. This is the most common time for deer-vehicle collisions.
Why do deer stomp when they see you? Stomping is a warning signal that deer use to alert other deer to a potential threat in the area.
Are you supposed to hit a deer instead of swerving? Yes, it is generally better to hit a deer than to swerve. Swerving increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, crossing into oncoming traffic, or running off the road.
Why is it bad to hit a deer? Hitting a deer can cause significant damage to your vehicle, as well as serious injury or death to yourself and your passengers.

When you hit a deer speed up?