Welcome back and thanks for reading The Bottom Line! Today I want to talk about the hidden winter driving hazard – Deer – and why this year marks a change.
I recently did a “Winter Driving Hazards” safety meeting with one of my clients and we covered the typical, standard winter safe driving tips…give extra distance when braking in the snow, watch for black ice, if you can’t see because it’s a blizzard…don’t be a hero, PULL OVER!
One new thing this year, though, is the deer issue. This particular client has had 2 deer strikes this year already, and with a fleet of under 30 trucks, not only does the down time cause problems, but the strikes are indicative of the significant increase in the deer population in Ohio and the Midwest, and the potential affect it could have on truckers if they aren’t extra diligent.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that there are more than 60,000 deer strikes reported in Ohio annually and they expect there are several thousand more every year that go unreported. ODOT expects the number to rise this year.
Ohio isn’t alone. In the last 2 years Wisconsin, North Carolina, Alabama, Michigan, West Virginia, and many others are reporting increased or record numbers of deer-related incidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are approximately 1.5 million accidents with deer each year that result in $1 billion in vehicle damage, about 150 human fatalities and over 10,000 personal injuries. Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for deer related collisions. See the Article Here:
Ohio Highway Patrol is reporting the number of motor vehicle crashes involving deer are on the rise.
Many truckers believe in “Deer Whistles”. The NTSA says these are useless and that you’re just wasting your money. The best defense is to slow down in low visibility and a little extra diligence and anticipation.
I recommend incorporating a few minutes to talk about deer in your winter driving meetings this year. I’m doing it when I speak to the fleets we work with. With any luck, the reminder might just save a life.
The Bottom Line: Truckers need to actively look out for deer this year. The extra healthy herd is a problem for drivers of all kinds and the accidents they cause are increasingly frequent. The number one thing to remember is that your 80,000lb truck and a 150lb deer are no match for each other. Don’t swerve. You probably buy truck insurance and life insurance. Let your insurance pay for your truck instead of your life.
Hopefully you’ll check back soon to see our weekly updates. And always, if you have any questions for the Truck Insurance Pro…please just let us know and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
Keep on Rollin’!
Jason Stevenson, MBA, CPIA
Truck Insurance Pro
The Hoffman Group–Transportation Services
800.826.4006
jstevenson@thehoffmangrp.com
