When Ford Meets Deer
It’s the stuff of driver’s nightmares (well, next to hitting humans that is): driving in a semi-deserted highway in your Ford F-150 then suddenly, out of nowhere, appears a brown, furry beast. Next thing you know the animal goes straight to your truck’s bumpers, bounces to your windshield and then lies lifeless in the middle of the road. You don’t know what hit you, but now, with the animal illuminated by your headlights in front of your truck, you do.
Too often, a collision with a deer, moose or elk occurs when the animal wanders from their homes in the wilderness to cross public roads. Unfortunately, nobody taught these poor creatures to look both ways first.
Usually, it’s the animals who lose in this collision, but that’s not to say that the accident does not take its toll in the vehicle too. The Insurance Information Institute reports that each year, about 700,000 animal-vehicle collisions cause about $1.2 billion in damage. And about 120 people die and another 10,000 are injured annually in such crashes, according to the National Safety Council.
While a foolproof way to prevent these animals from wandering to highways is yet to be discovered, you can help avoid unplanned meeting with a deer, moose or elk by following these suggestions from State Farm:
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to "deer crossing" signs. Look well down the road and far off to each side. At night, use your Ford’s high-beam lights if possible to illuminate the road's edges. Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water. If you see one deer, there may be several others nearby.
Be particularly alert at dusk and dawn, when these animals venture out to feed.
If you see a deer, moose or elk on or near the roadway and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes to warn other drivers, and sound your horn. Deer tend to fixate on headlights, so flashing them may cause the animal to move. If there's no vehicle close behind you, brake hard.
If a collision seems inevitable, don't swerve to avoid the animal; your risk of injury may be greater if you do. Hit it, but control the vehicle. Report the accident to the police.
Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts.
Note that your Ford headlights play an important role in avoiding this type of collision. Make sure that your headlights are functioning properly. Replace burnt out or worn headlights as soon as you can. Premium quality Ford headlights, as well as other Ford parts such as Ford wheels, Ford mirrors, and Ford A/C condensers are available at trusted online auto parts stores like Ford Parts Online. With proper maintenance and the right driver’s attitude, you can keep your Ford safe and the deer too.
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