Date: October 24, 2005
For more information contact: Eileen Mallow, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, (608) 266-7843 or eileen.mallow@wisconsin.gov

Drivers May Not Be Covered for Deer Hits

Madison, WI—Every year, hundreds of Wisconsin citizens are injured in motor vehicle crashes involving deer. October and November are the peak months for deer collisions. "We're urging state residents to drive with more caution and to become aware that many of them are not insured for deer collisions," said Jorge Gomez, Commissioner of Insurance.

Deer hits and other auto-animal collisions are covered under the comprehensive coverage of an auto policy. In today's policy that coverage is found in the section entitled "Coverage for Damage to Your Auto." Many people do not have this coverage because it is optional. Comprehensive coverage provides for mishaps beyond the realm of collision coverage (including hail, theft, falling objects and deer hits). Drivers should check the Declarations Page of their policies to see if they have comprehensive or damage-to-your-auto coverage.

Deer are the third most commonly struck object in Wisconsin. According to a study conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 689 Wisconsin citizens were injured in motor vehicle-deer crashes last year. This number has increased in the past 25 years.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has prepared a few suggestions to help avoid deer collisions:

• Be attentive in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer.
• Pay close attention to deer crossing and speed limit signs.
• Wear your safety belt.
• If you see a deer near the side of the road, slow down and blow your horn. This will scare the deer away.
• If you find a deer staring into your headlights, don't expect it to move away.
  • Headlights can confuse a deer, causing it to freeze.
  • Brake firmly. Do not swerve. Swerving can cause you to loose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or oncoming traffic.
• If you are operating a motorcycle and you encounter a deer, slow down, break firmly and swerve to avoid hitting the deer. Do not leave your traffic lane if at all possible.
• If you hit a deer, do not leave your vehicle. The injured deer could hurt you or itself.
  • Try to get your car off the road and call the police.
  • Walking or stopping your vehicle on the highway is very dangerous.

OCI publications, such as "Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance," can be ordered free from the agency by writing to OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873, calling 800-236-8517 or visiting the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov. The publication is available in English or Spanish.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.