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SALT LAKE CITY (WFSB) — Auto body shops said they've been busy making deer strike repairs.
AAA sought to remind drivers on Wednesday that fall is the time of year where there's the greatest risk of hitting a deer or other animal.
"October, November and December are the months we see the greatest number of accidents, especially November because it's the height of mating season," said Amy Parmenter, an AAA spokesperson. "And, as the days get shorter, drivers are more likely to be on the road at dawn and dusk when the animals are most active."
Utah Department of Transportation said more than 5,500 deer were killed on Utah roads in 2014. The most deer collisions occurred on U.S. 40 between Park City and Heber City.
On average, a collision with a deer costs more than $2,500.
"I always see an increase in animal damage at this time of year," said Tyler Rook, owner of Victor Auto Body Works in Middletown. "I've got two or three cars in the shop right now. Those are cars that can be fixed, but it's not unusual for a vehicle that hits a deer to be totaled."
- Keep your eyes moving
- Be especially attentive in the early morning and evening
- Use high beams when there's no oncoming traffic
- Slow down and watch for other deer to appear
- Slow down around curves
- A long blast of your horn
- Use brakes instead of swerving
- Don't go near or touch a wounded animal
Rook said deer aren't the only dangers.
"We've had even a turkey total a car. We've had raccoons total a car," he said. "But at this time of the year, everything is on the move and it's just incredible the amount of work that comes in at this time of the year."
AAA also said that animal collisions result in about 200 human fatalities per year.
"Although deer and other animals are unpredictable, there are actions you can take to help prevent an accident or to reduce the damage an animal might cause," Parmenter said.
UDOT is working on changing reflectors to help keep deer off the road.
Contributing: Jed Boal
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