We see them in the corner of our eye, peering out from the side of the road and in an instant these furry creatures make their dash across the highway and the end result can be deadly. Each year between one and two million collisions occur between cars and large animals—mostly deer, which result in about 200 deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and over four billion dollars in vehicle damage and medical payments. And the numbers are steadily increasing.

According to The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDS), an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), November is the peak time for deer accidents and this month has three times higher insurance claims than any other month due to deer mating and migration season.

The increase in deer population and the decrease of their natural habitat due to urban sprawl are contributing factors to the increase in crashes and deaths.

Animal-vehicle collisions present a danger to motorists, property, and wildlife, but there are precautions you can take to help avoid having a deer or other animal meet up with your car.

• Slow down. Watch for deer especially around dawn and dusk when they are most active.
• Be aware. Look out for deer-crossing signs and wooded areas where deer or other animals would likely travel.
• Be alert. If you see an animal on the side of the road, slow down, and put on your high-beam lights for greater visibility.
• Brake, don’t swerve. Swerving to avoid an animal can put you at risk for hitting another vehicle or losing control of your own car. It can also confuse the animal as to which way to go. Just slow down and brake.
• Assume they have friends. Deer travel in groups, so if you see one run across the road, expect others to follow.
• Buckle up. A seat belt is your best defense for minimizing your risk in a crash. The IIHS study found that 60 percent of the people killed in animal-vehicle collisions weren’t wearing seat belts.

If you hit an animal, move your car off the road and call police or animal control. Do not attempt to touch an injured animal. Call your insurance company when you get home. Animal collisions are usually covered in your policy.

—Liza Barth

For more on vehicle safety, see our safety guide.