(WKYT) – One thing you may notice at this time of year: there’s more deer out and about. That’s because it’s mating season, which means the likelihood of striking a deer is higher. It also means those auto body shops are staying pretty busy as well.
From the middle of October to the end of December, accidents involving deer spike due to it being mating season. No one is immune to it happening to them. Last night, Lieutenant Jacqueline Coleman and her security detail were involved in a deer collision on the Bluegrass Parkway in Nelson County. Fortunately, everyone is okay but the car and deer were not. This time of year grabs local auto body shop’s attention as well.
“I would definitely say it is a busier time. Not that we look forward to this time of year but unfortunately the claims and volume does spike. In turn, the hits tend to be higher in damages,” said Justin Settles, business manager at Scheller Collision.
When it comes to assessing damages due to deer collisions, there is a process in how a car is determined totaled or not.
“In the state of Kentucky, they can only expend 75 percent of the threshold of the vehicle. So just use the math and you can back into it simply by checking on JD Power or NADA and seeing what the value of your car is,” Settles said.
Settles said the number one thing you need to do is pay attention to the road while driving at all times. There are however spots where you have a better chance of seeing a deer.
“Especially country roads, you know those are the ones you want to be more alert at and if you’re driving by any woods, any wood lines I would say be alert as they could pop out anywhere on you,” said Settles.
If you are involved in a deer collision, pay attention to if the vehicle is safe to drive after the incident. Any overheating or lights on your dashboard, and you should have your car towed.