According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a list of leading causes of death in the U.S., road injuries are the third leading cause of death in 2024. This includes collisions between road vehicles, vehicles and pedestrians, vehicles and animals, etc. As of December 2024, there have been 227,039 deaths so far this year across the nation.
Peachtree City residents and students alike have the usual potential causes for accidents – distracted drivers on cell phones, intersection fender benders – but in the fall, local drivers also have to worry about the dangers of deer season.
“I was driving from my boyfriend’s wrestling meet, in the country, [and] when I looked over there was a deer right next to my window, so I started screaming,” Trail Business Manager Alyssa Barnfield (12) said.
According to Arrowhead General Insurance, despite only 23% of student drivers having hit a deer, all students still have a high risk of hitting deer because of rut expansion all over Georgia. Reaching the high of $1 billion dollars, approximately 1.5 million deer and car collisions occur every year. Even with the high number of crashes, there are still even higher chances of the car being totaled.
Local Farmers Insurance Agent Timothy Monihan shares his expertise on the after effect of a deer colliding with an ongoing car.
“If someone hasn’t elected comprehensive coverage, then unfortunately, there isn’t coverage for the deer running into their car, ” Monihan said.
According to a State Farm article on the likelihood of animal collisions, accidents occur most frequently at dusk and dawn, when deer are most active, and drivers’ ability to spot them is poor. Only about 20% of accidents occur during daylight hours. Deer-vehicle accidents are eight times more frequent per hour of dusk than at daylight and four times more frequent at dusk than after nightfall.
And in Peachtree City, with all its wooded areas and the large deer population, this time of year is called rutting season, a time when deer are mating, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). And with deer on the run, car collisions this time of year are more frequent.
Fischer Road, a two-way highway in Coweta County on the outskirts of Peachtree City, has many potential dangers to drivers including dense trees, high speeds and the number of cars passing by. Driving home from work on Nov. 21 on Fischer Road, Peachtree City resident Jessica Nauert collided with a deer, the impact of which caused her front windshield to be blown in and the deer to end up in her backseat. Somehow, she was uninjured.
“While I was driving southbound, a driver going Northbound clipped the deer, sending it airborne into my windshield,” Nauert said.
Nauert’s message to all drivers is to enlighten them about driving safely during rutting season.
“To always know that no matter how safe you think you are driving there are variables you cannot control. The variable you can control is your reaction when a situation arises. I firmly believe it is how I reacted to the accident that allowed me to walk away,” Nauert said.
It’s easy for drivers to get caught up in their own thoughts or distractions. However, being aware of their surroundings is essential for safe driving this time of year. Drivers can empower themselves to make informed decisions and enhance their safety by staying aware. Being alert protects themselves and contributes to a safer community for everyone.
“Put the cell phone down, that text, that next post and the newsfeed can wait. Be alert to what is going on in front you and to the left and right of your vehicle,” Monihan said.
Nauert has similar advice.
“Some things to take in consideration is the way you react to the situation. You should never jerk the wheel, do not slam on the brakes, and be cautious of your surroundings, making sure you are never traveling too close to the vehicle in front of you,” Nauert said.
Monihan has advice for all Peachtree City drivers in case their vehicles come into contact with a deer.
Pull over to a safe place and check for broken headlights or taillights. If the car is safe to drive, I suggest driving the vehicle home. Once home, take photos of the vehicle – especially if you can still see the deer hair on the vehicle. If the car is not drivable, go ahead and get the vehicle towed. Most carriers will cover the cost of the tow as part of the claim, regardless if you have chosen the optional roadside assistance coverage as long as you have comprehensive coverage,” Monihan said.
This story was originally published on The Trail on December 11, 2024.
