With the start of fall, both commercial and owner operator truck drivers must watch out for yet one more road hazard: deer. Fall is the start of their mating season which means they’ll be especially active. While you may see them on the road at any time of the day, their road crossings mostly occur during the morning and evening hours. Other animals to watch for are elk and moose.
Despite your size advantage, collision with a deer and especially a moose can cause extensive damage and endanger your life. There have been several instances of deer crashing through the windshield of a rig. Semi trucks have flipped over and gone down embankments largely because of their swerving actions. Even 40 ton semi trucks aren’t invulnerable to damage because they are after all, made from a lot of sheet metal and plastic. All of this points to the need to stay alert to deer on the road and the need for adequate commercial truck insurance.
Stay safe and avoid commercial truck and semi truck insurance claims by following these seven important safety tips:
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs – These are placed in areas known to have numerous deer crossings and where deer/car collisions have happened. Slow down and be ready to stop.
- Slow down – Don’t out drive the reach of your headlights. A slower speed gives you more time to stop and reduces the damage of a collision.
- Use your horn – Hopefully the loud sound will encourage the animal to get off the road.
- Avoid flashing your headlights – Deer often freeze when confronted by oncoming headlights. Flashing them will only increase the likelihood of this behavior.
- Don’t swerve – Research by insurance adjusters has found that hitting deer while swerving increases the risk of loss of control and personal injury. You are more likely to hit other cars and objects. If you can’t stop and a collision is unavoidable, hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your rig moving straight ahead.
- Deer move in groups – If you safely get by one deer, don’t relax just yet because there’s a good chance that others are nearby.
- Don’t be too quick passing slow-moving cars – If the car ahead of you inexplicably slows down, don’t automatically pass him. He may have spotted deer on the road ahead.
If you have inquiries about rig insurance and commercial truck insurance in South Carolina, contact us at J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
