Wild animals are among the most unpredictable dangers on the roads. South Carolina drivers are at particular risk of animal collisions because of the state’s significant population of white-tailed deer. Deer are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active around the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Twilight can also be one of the most difficult times of day to drive as your eyes have to adjust to the changes in lighting. This combination of factors contributes to many crashes. Yet, recent research indicates changing some of our societal habits may reduce the frequency of these collisions.
One surprising variable is the elimination of our twice-yearly time change. According to researchers at the University of Washington, switching between standard time and daylight savings time leads to thousands of unnecessary car-deer crashes across the country.
What Studies Say about Daylight Saving Time and Car–Deer Collisions
White-tailed deer have their breeding season in October and November, making it more likely for South Carolina drivers to encounter these animals on the road during this period. This is the same time of year when we change our clocks from daylight saving time to standard time. That places more commuters on the road during periods of reduced visibility, making it more difficult to see deer.
A new study estimates that the fall time change, which increases the number of dark hours in the evening, contributes to 37,000 car-deer collisions across the country. The researchers who published this report suggest that keeping clocks on daylight saving time year-round would prevent these crashes. Some of the prospective benefits of making this switch include the following:
- 33 fewer human deaths each year
- 2,000 fewer injured people annually
- Yearly auto repair cost savings of $1.2 billion
One author of the study points out that driving two hours after dark makes a motorist 14 times more likely to hit a deer than driving while there is still daylight. These numbers are significant considering the simple nature of the change.
Politicians across the country have begun to recognize the many benefits of switching to permanent daylight-saving time. Thus far, South Carolina is one of 19 state legislatures that have taken action to express support for permanent daylight saving time. But the switch is contingent on federal legislation. At the national level, the U.S. Senate voted to approve the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make year-round daylight saving time a reality.
Until the measure passes both chambers of Congress and is signed into law, motorists must continue to cope with the annual change between standard time and daylight saving and the increased risk of collisions with animals at night.
Car-Deer Crash Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that the country has seen a general upward trend of human deaths from collisions with animals over the past several decades. In a recent year, 202 people lost their lives in such crashes. Overall, collisions with animals account for nearly two million insurance claims each year, about two-thirds of which involve deer.
According to CBS News, more than 2.1 million automobile accidents across the country involve deer, injuring 59,000 people and costing $10 billion in economic losses.
Car-Deer Crashes in South Carolina
According to WYFF and data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, a recent year saw nearly 6,500 deer collisions on the state’s roads and highways, predominantly in the Upstate. Many officials have drawn a connection between these crashes and recent population expansion in South Carolina. As more people use the state’s rural roadways to commute, the likelihood of collisions with wildlife increases.
Tips to Avoid Colliding with Animals While Driving
While there is no way to eliminate the risk of hitting a deer while driving, you can take certain steps to reduce your chances of colliding with wild animals on the road. Follow these guidelines to reduce your chance of a preventable collision with wildlife:
- Pay attention – Driver distraction is one of the main reasons for road collisions of all kinds. Remain alert to all potential road hazards, particularly when you see deer crossing or animal crossing signs. Anytime you drive near wooded areas or close to water, assume that deer may jump out into the road at any moment.
- Use high beams – High beams are useful for illuminating dark roads where deer may be present. They can also help you drive away animals on the road. Flicking on your brights when you see a deer may cause them to run away. Just remember to switch back to low beams when around other drivers.
- Do not swerve into other lanes – While swerving to avoid a collision is a natural impulse, it’s also one that can make matters worse. You might put yourself into the path of oncoming traffic or run off the road, leading to a more serious accident. If you’re traveling at speed, a sudden change in direction could even cause the car to overturn.
- Brake as appropriate – As you approach an animal, slow down, honk your horn, and tap your brakes. This may help you avoid hitting the animal and warn other drivers of the hazard. If there are no drivers behind you, you can brake more aggressively.
- Be mindful of peak times – Most deer collisions happen between October and December, so pay close attention during these months. Deer are most active around dusk and dawn, so watch carefully for them when it is dark.
- Obey traffic laws – Wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limit, and follow all other traffic laws when you drive. They are there to keep everyone safe.
Get in Touch with Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, Joye Law Firm can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation to put your life back together. While accidents involving deer typically don’t require a personal injury lawyer, there are situations where legal representation might be necessary. For example, if another driver swerved to avoid a deer and collided with your car, or if a defective part in your own vehicle failed to protect you during the crash, you may have a valid claim. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with the legal team at Joye Law Firm. Our consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with our South Carolina car accident attorneys.
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