No Matter how aware and careful you are animal collisions specifically, deer hits are extremely common especially in North Idaho and Northwestern Montana. The risks of hitting a deer or other animal with your vehicle is highest in late fall and early winter. However, many factors can increase the likelihood of a vehicle animal collision, such as wildfire, deforestation or development. According to the federal highway administration deer hits cause over a million accidents a year resulting in over 1 billion dollars in damage. Although deer are the most common cooperate in animal vehicle collisions, other, sometimes, larger animals including moose and elk can inflict serious damage on vehicles.
What to do if you hit a deer with your vehicle
As with any collision, your safety and the safety of your passengers is of paramount concern. Make sure you move your vehicle off to a safe space such as the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Since deer are most active during the early morning and evening hours your vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles and making sure it is clearly visible is always important. Make sure your report the accident to the proper authorities especially if the animal is blocking the roadway or creating a threat to other motorists. Make sure you give the animal some distance as wounded deer can be dangerous.
At Northwest Autobody, we see quite a few animal vehicle collisions and understand the challenges presented not only to drivers but also to the community when these collisions occur. Our first goal is always to get your vehicle restored to its original condition as quickly and efficiently as possible. We also want to help the community, and since deer are an important source of food for many families in our region, we donate $50 to local food banks for every deer vehicle collision we repair.
24/7 Towing Services
That is right, day or night Northwest Autobody has 24/7 towing services available if you have a deer collision. Just give us a call and We will send a tow truck right away to help you out. We proudly serve North Idaho and Northwestern Montana along us highway 2, see our complete service area map here.