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Did you know approximately 80% of wildlife collisions involve deer? Moose, elk, bears, coyotes and other wildlife make up the remaining 20%. No one wants to hurt an animal on the road, but it does happen.
Here are some driving techniques if you encounter wildlife on the road to keep you and other drivers safe. We clarify how a wildlife accident can affect your car insurance quotes and when you should contact your insurer to submit a claim.
Ontario is known for the most collisions with wildlife – around 14,000 are reported every year, according to the OPP. No matter what season it is, it’s a good time to brush up on some safety tips and precautions to take on the road.
Animals are active 24/7, however, the peak time of day for them on roads is between 6 p.m. and midnight. Studies show that the risk of hitting wildlife is higher during dusk and dawn, when light is lower, animals are most active.
Incidents also spike when driving in the fall because it is mating season for moose and deer. There is also an increase in spring due to animals coming out of hibernation and looking for food.
As you learn in driving school, your actions on the road should put your life and other drivers first. If you spot a deer or any wildlife on the road and it is too late to avoid an accident safely, here is what you should do to lessen the impact :
If you are in an accident with a deer or any wildlife on the road, here is what you should do :
A collision with a deer, or any wildlife, would generally be covered under comprehensive insurance or all-perils. These are both option types of coverage that come with a small additional price – if you don’t have either, you may not be protected in the event of hitting wildlife. However, if you make multiple claims around the same time, you will likely see an increase.
The number of animals involved increased by 47% from 1999 to 2014 according to the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report. There are 14,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions happening in a year in Ontario. There are some ways we can prevent these accidents from happening.
Here are nine tips to prevent an accident with wildlife :
Use Thinkinsure to shop around and compare multiple quotes from the leading insurers. We'll ensure you find the best coverage at the lowest rates.
The Traffic Industry Research Foundation published a study about accidents that involve wildlife in Canada. Here is a look at some of their key findings :
A collision with a deer will be covered under comprehensive or all-perils policies. However, if you do not have these optional types of car insurance, you likely will not be covered.
If you hit a deer, in most cases you will need to pay your car insurance deductible. The amount you pay will be outlined in your policy.
Yes. Hitting a deer could be deemed as an at-fault accident – it depends on the situation and insurer. Some insurers will not consider hitting a deer at-fault, but you may be at-fault if you swerve and cause a collision with another vehicle or a guard rail.
If you hit a deer with your vehicle, it will be considered a comprehensive claim so it will go on your drivers abstract, but generally will not increase your costs.
There is no ticket or fine if you are involved in an accident with a deer.
Deer and other large wildlife can total your car if you are involved in an accident. It depends on the size of your vehicle, how fast you were driving, and where the animal was located.
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