Mercury Insurance offers six safety tips as November brings heightened wildlife collision risks to America's roadways
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is reminding motorists that one of fall's most unpredictable driving hazards can appear in an instant as deer mating season, shorter daylight hours and increased wildlife movement create dangerous conditions on America's roadways. November is an especially important time for drivers to remain alert, with Mercury's previously published Wildlife Collision Clock research finding that nearly one in five reported wildlife-vehicle collisions occurs during the month.
The consequences can extend well beyond vehicle damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 210 people died in animal-related vehicle collisions nationwide in 2024, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In some cases, the greatest danger comes not from striking the animal itself, but from a driver's attempt to avoid it.
"Most drivers have never practiced what to do when a deer suddenly appears in front of their vehicle, and that leaves them relying on instinct," said Justin Yoshizawa, Director of Product Management at Mercury Insurance. "The problem is that an instinctive reaction, particularly a sudden swerve, can create an even more dangerous situation. Knowing how to respond before it happens can make a critical difference."
Why Deer Season Demands Extra Attention
Fall marks the breeding season for many deer populations, commonly called the rut, when animals become more active and travel greater distances in search of mates. Seasonal migration in some regions can further increase the likelihood of deer crossing roadways.
The return to standard time creates an additional challenge. Earlier sunsets mean more drivers are traveling in darkness during evening commutes, overlapping with periods when deer are particularly active.
While rural highways and roads bordering wooded areas present obvious risks, wildlife collisions are not limited to remote locations. Deer may also cross suburban streets, neighborhood roads and highways near parks or open spaces.
"Drivers tend to associate deer collisions with rural roads, but these encounters can happen much closer to home," Yoshizawa said. "Familiarity with a road doesn't eliminate the risk, especially when visibility is reduced or wildlife activity increases."
Six Ways Drivers Can Reduce the Risk of a Deer Collision
- Recognize when the risk is greatest. Deer are particularly active around dawn and dusk. Slow down during early morning and evening drives, especially in areas with wooded roadsides, open fields or wildlife crossing signs. Allow extra time to reach your destination rather than rushing through areas where animals may be present.
- Look beyond the road directly ahead. Scan both shoulders and nearby vegetation for movement. Deer can emerge quickly from wooded areas or roadside cover, and spotting an animal before it enters the roadway may provide valuable reaction time.
- Never assume a single deer is traveling alone. Deer often move in groups. If one crosses the road, reduce speed and watch for others that may follow. Proceed cautiously even after the first animal has cleared your path.
- Brake firmly and avoid dangerous swerving. If a deer suddenly enters the roadway, reduce speed while maintaining control of the vehicle. Abrupt steering maneuvers may send a vehicle into oncoming traffic, off the road or into a fixed object. Drivers should assess surrounding conditions and avoid evasive actions that could create a greater hazard.
- Use headlights effectively. High beams may help drivers identify animals farther ahead on dark roads when no approaching vehicles are present and conditions permit. Dim headlights for oncoming traffic, follow applicable laws and adjust speed to the distance visible ahead.
- Give yourself room to react. Avoid distractions, maintain a safe following distance and adjust speed for darkness, weather and road conditions. If another driver brakes unexpectedly, additional following distance may provide the time needed to respond safely.
"When an animal appears, drivers may feel they have to make an immediate choice between hitting it and steering around it," Yoshizawa said. "The safest response depends on the circumstances, but maintaining control of the vehicle and avoiding a more serious secondary collision should always be priorities."
What If a Collision Can't Be Avoided?
Even careful drivers may be unable to avoid every wildlife collision. If an accident occurs, Mercury recommends prioritizing personal safety before assessing vehicle damage.
- Get out of traffic if possible. Move the vehicle to a safe location when it can be done without creating additional danger, activate hazard lights and remain alert for approaching vehicles.
- Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is injured or emergency assistance is needed. Notify authorities if an animal or disabled vehicle creates a roadway hazard.
- Stay away from injured wildlife. Frightened or injured animals can behave unpredictably. Contact local law enforcement or animal control when appropriate.
- Document the incident safely. Take photographs of vehicle damage and relevant surroundings when conditions permit and record the location and circumstances of the collision.
- Contact your insurance company. Report the incident promptly and ask about coverage, deductibles and the claims process.
Understanding Your Insurance Protection
Wildlife collisions can also raise questions about which portions of an auto insurance policy may apply.
Damage caused by directly striking a deer or another animal is generally handled under comprehensive auto insurance coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Comprehensive coverage is optional in many states, although lenders and leasing companies may require it.
If a driver swerves to avoid an animal and strikes a tree, guardrail or another vehicle, the resulting vehicle damage may instead fall under collision coverage. Coverage determinations depend on the circumstances of the incident and the applicable policy provisions.
"Drivers may not realize that hitting an animal and hitting something while trying to avoid an animal can involve different types of insurance coverage," Yoshizawa said. "Understanding those distinctions and reviewing your policy before an accident occurs can help you make more informed decisions about your protection."
As November brings increased wildlife activity to many parts of the country, Mercury encourages drivers to approach familiar roads with renewed caution, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
"Deer collisions are unpredictable, but drivers aren't powerless to reduce their risks," Yoshizawa said. "Staying alert, slowing down and knowing how to react can help protect everyone sharing the road."
For information about the Mercury Wildlife Collision Clock, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.
Disclaimer: Insurance coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and deductibles of the applicable policy. Whether comprehensive or collision coverage applies depends on the circumstances of the incident and applicable policy provisions. This information is intended for general educational purposes and does not modify or expand coverage under any insurance policy.
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.
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