 Caution….. Deer Season
When deer season rolls around, an increase in auto accidents occurs. When deer season starts they are far more active
and likely to run out in the road. This can be catastrophic for drivers who aren't thinking about it; hitting a
large animal can cause damage to the car and injury to passengers. If you'll be out driving during deer season,
follow these safety tips. Deer season generally runs from mid October through the December.
1- Know the Worst Times
You’re unlikely to encounter a deer in the middle of the afternoon, regardless of whether
or not it is deer season. However, driving safety is particularly important during the early morning hours and
in the late evening, around sunrise and sunset. This is when the animals come out from their hiding places in
the woods to feed. If you'll be driving during these times, keep a lookout to your right and left.
2- Look for Signs
In most states, deer crossing signs are posted in areas where deer are known to frequent, such as along rural routes and in neighborhoods that have just been constructed. Keep a lookout for these signs, and take heed wherever they are posted. Driving too fast or recklessly could cause a serious accident.
3- Expect a Friend
Deer are sociable animals who often travel in twos, threes, fours, and even large groups.
Just because you've narrowly missed one deer doesn't mean his buddies aren't far behind. You can alert other
passing drivers by flicking your lights or your hazards, and don't hesitate to stop altogether if you think
you might hit a deer.
4- Use Your Horn
If you see a deer in the road while driving, honk your horn once or twice to scare him in another direction. The loud noise is usually sufficient to send him fleeing back into the woods. Often, during deer season, the animals are slow to react and easily confused.
5- Avoid Swerving
Unless you have no other option; avoid swerving to the left or right when confronted with a deer in the road. The animal might not be able to think quickly enough about which way to flee, and will very likely run in the direction of your swerve. It is better to hit the brakes firmly to bring your car to a stop and allow the deer to decide which way to go.
6- Don't Touch an Injured Deer
If you're driving down the road and happen to hit a deer, don't attempt to offer assistance to the animal. If it is still conscious, it will likely flail about with its hooves and may even attempt to bite you when you try to help. Instead, clear your car from the road if it's able to be driven and call the authorities to come deal with the situation.
7- Insurance Claim
Striking the deer with your car is considered an act of god for insurance purposes and
will be filled as a comprehensive claim. Comprehensive claims generally have lower deductibles and they cannot
adversely affect your car insurance rates / premiums, where as striking a guardrail or another vehicle is considered
a collision claim and that may affect your rates depending upon your accident history and your insurance carrier.
PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY but IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CALL US WE CAN HELP…….. 1-877-USA-0247
Summer Driving Tips With summer officially arriving in Greater Cincinnati, USA Collision Centers
reminds motorists to make sure their vehicles are working properly before hitting the road for that family
vacation.
Please consider these summer driving tips to ensure safe travel.
To help avoid over-heating, a car´s cooling system, engine hoses, drive belts and battery should be inspected by a mechanic.
Motorists should regularly check fluid levels and tire tread depth. To quickly check the tire tread, insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln´s head upside down - if you can see the entire head, your tires are worn and should be replaced.
For maximum fuel efficiency, tires should be properly inflated. Hot weather can cause air pressure inside the tire to expand, causing a blowout if the tire is in poor condition.
Motorists should use extra caution while driving during a rainstorm, particularly after an extended period without rain, since extreme heat causes oils deposited from vehicles to be absorbed into the road and slick spots can result during rainstorms.
Motorists should enhance their hot-weather preparedness with an emergency kit that should be stocked with things that would be needed in the event of a breakdown, such as water, necessary medications, first aid supplies and portable cooling devices, such as battery-powered fans.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, which can heat up quickly during hot weather.
When traveling a long distance, try to plan your trip for early in the day or later in the evening when the weather is cooler.
Carry a cell phone and charger in case of emergency.
State law requires headlights to be turned on any time the wipers are in use due to rain, fog or other conditions.
Remember to always buckle up and never drink and drive.
Tips For Driving In The Snow:Follow these simple rules and you can improve your chances of not having an accident.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:
Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
Always look and steer where you want to go.
Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
Future Tips
Stop Back Soon to see other driving tips
Future Tips
Stop Back Soon to see other driving tips
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