OH DEER!

OH DEER!
Avoid the Bucks to Save Big Bucks on Collision Repairs
ARNOLD, MO (September 16, 2013) – You’re driving down the highway at the end of the day, when all of a sudden you say “Oh Dear?” as a giant head of antlers smashes into your front fender.
You can avoid an automobile accident with a buck – and spending lots of bucks on the damage – by following some smart driving tips this fall and winter. Every year, some 1.5 million drivers hit a deer, and the cold weather months are peak season for deer-vehicle collisions.
Deer crashes result in at least $1.1 billion a year in automobile damage, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. On average, the accidents cost $2,800 per insurance claim, and up to $10,000 if there is injury to the driver or a passenger, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
The Risks Are not Just in Rural Areas
The top states for deer-related accidents range throughout the country, and no longer are these accidents relegated to rural areas. The top 10 deer danger states are:

1. Pennsylvania
   
2. Michigan
   
3. Illinois
   
4. Ohio
   
5. Georgia
   
6. Minnesota
   
7. Virginia
   
8. Indiana
   
9. Texas
   
10. Wisconsin
    

As migration and mating season hit full swing, the dangers rise, making October through December the most treacherous months on the road where deer are concerned.
Drive Defensively to Avoid Deer Dangers
Early morning and sundown are the worst times for deer accidents, as visibility is limited and deer are often on the move. It is important to drive defensively and anticipate the potential for deer in the road so you can safely stop and avoid the accident.
The auto experts at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair, who repair thousands of automobiles each year from deer-related accidents, offer the following tips to reduce the deer danger:

1. Use extra caution at dawn and sunset, and around golf courses, fields and wooded areas.
   
2. Remember that deer travel in packs – if you spot one, there are likely more behind it.
   
3. Don't swerve to avoid striking a deer, as that increases the risk of hitting another vehicle or losing control of your car.
   
4. If there is no opposing traffic, use high beams at night to better illuminate deer.
   
5. Don't rely on devices such as deer whistles, which are attached to the outside of a car, to try to scare off deer with an ultrasonic or high-frequency sound. They have not been proved to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
   
6. If a deer remains on the highway after you hit it, report the incident to the game commission or a local law enforcement agency, as the deer poses a danger to other drivers. If the deer might still be alive, don't go near it because a wild animal with sharp hooves can inflict injuries.
   

Preparation is Smart Protection
If an accident with a deer does occur, it pays to be protected. Many drivers do not realize that carrying only collision coverage does not cover damage from a deer accident, leaving them with a damaged vehicle and a large repair bill.
To fully cover any potential damage, drivers should carry comprehensive insurance that covers such crashes. For those driving an older vehicle who feel their cars aren’t worth the cost of the insurance, it is smart to keep an “accident fund” if something does occur.
If a driver ends up stranded in the woods with a damaged vehicle and a buck decorating their hood, they can always call 1-800-CARSTAR. They will send the tow truck, call their insurance company and help them get back on the road.
For more tips on dealing with a car accident or having your car repaired after a collision, visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts offers high-quality and reliable repair for more information and store locations, visit www.stlcarstar.com.
About CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is the largest group of branded collision repair facilities in North America with over 400 locally owned and operated locations in 30 states and 10 Canadian provinces. CARSTAR Auto Body Experts are committed to providing consistent quality services to our customers and insurance partners and has repaired more than 2.5 million vehicles since it was founded in 1989. Our technicians and front office staff receive ongoing training to ensure they are qualified to work on any vehicle. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority as we consistently lead the industry in customer satisfaction ratings.