Car insurance news -
13/03/2009
Young drivers warned about deer accidents
Road accidents involving deer, and deer-related damage, can lead to a rise in the cost of policies for cheap car insurance, young drivers have been warned.
UK insurers estimate the total insurance bill for collisions or near-misses, sometimes resulting in deaths and injuries, caused by deer is now more than £20 million annually.
In Scotland, the problem is becoming so severe that deer face mass culling. With the development and planting of new forests, numbers of roe deer have soared with high numbers of red deer also present.
Official figures from the Deer Commission for numbers of vehicle accidents involving deer in the country are said to be about 10,000.
Deer accidents can be fatal. A young driver from north east Scotland, aged just 22, was killed recently when she apparently swerved to avoid a deer. Her car careered off the road, hit a tree and flipped on to its roof.
Experts fear more deaths are likely unless the problem is better managed. Deer can be hiding around bends, grazing on roundabouts or simply standing in the road.
With new woodland still being planned and planted, growth of roe deer herds is bound to continue until stronger action is taken - the extra vegetation provides perfect cover and habitat for the deer to breed and spread.
Advice from driving experts is to focus on keeping the car driving straight should there be a collision with a deer. A spokesman for Hoot Car Insurance Services said, "It is better to damage the car than people inside."
Car insurance for young drivers
If you are worried about colliding with deer - or the cost and effects of any road accident - it is important to be adequately covered with a good insurance policy.
Hoot specialises in finding great deals for car insurance - young drivers cover is our speciality. Simply click the 'Get Quote Now' button for an online price in a couple of minutes - or call.
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