Mercury Insurance provides six safety recommendations. With the arrival of November, the risk of collisions with wildlife on American roads increases.

Los Angeles, November 3, 2026 / PRNewswire / — Mercury Insurance ( NYSE / NYSE Texas : MCY ) Drivers are reminded that one of the most unpredictable driving dangers in autumn can appear in an instant. The mating season of deer, shorter daylight hours, and increased wildlife activity all make U.S. roads more dangerous. November is particularly a month when drivers need to be vigilant. Mercury A previously released "Wildlife Collision Clock" study found that nearly one-fifth of reported wildlife-vehicle collision incidents occur in November.

The consequences could be far more than just vehicle damage. According to data cited by the American Highway Safety Insurance Association ( IIHS ) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2024, a total of 210 people in the United States died in vehicle collisions related to animals. In some cases, the greatest danger is not so much hitting the animal itself, but rather the actions taken by the driver in an attempt to avoid it.

Mercury Insurance Product Management Director Justin Yoshizawa stated: "Most drivers have never practiced what to do when a deer suddenly appears in front of their car, so they can only rely on their instinctive reactions. The problem is that such instinctive reactions, especially sudden sharp turns of the steering wheel, can lead to even more dangerous situations. Knowing how to respond before it happens could make a crucial difference."

Why does the deer season require extra attention?

Autumn is the breeding season for many deer herds, commonly referred to as the rut. During this period, deer become more active and travel greater distances in search of mates. Seasonal migrations in some areas also further increase the likelihood of deer crossing roads.

Restoring to standard time also presents additional challenges. Sunset occurs earlier, which means that more drivers will be driving in the dark during evening commutes, and this coincides with the period when deer are particularly active.

Although rural roads and roads along the edges of wooded areas are clearly at a higher risk, wildlife collisions do not only occur in remote areas. Deer may also cross suburban streets, community roads, as well as roads near parks or open areas.

Yoshizawa indicates that "drivers often associate deer collisions with rural roads, but such encounters can also happen closer to home. Being familiar with the roads does not mean the risk disappears, especially when visibility is reduced or wildlife activity increases."

Drivers can reduce the risk of collisions with deer in six ways.

• Identify the times of day when risks are highest. Deer are particularly active around dawn and dusk. When driving in the early morning and evening, you should slow down, especially in areas with woods on both sides of the road, open fields, or signs indicating wildlife crossings. It is advisable to allow more time to reach your destination instead of rushing through sections where animals may be present.
• Don't just focus on the road ahead of you. You should also observe whether there is any movement on the shoulders of the road on both sides and in the nearby vegetation. Deer may suddenly emerge from woodland or roadside coverings, and if you can spot them before they enter the lane, it could give the driver valuable reaction time.
• Don't assume that only one deer is acting alone. Deer often move in groups. If a deer crosses the road, you should slow down and be alert to whether any other deer follow. Even if the first animal has left the road path, you should proceed with caution.
• Brake decisively to avoid dangerous swerves. If a deer suddenly enters the lane, slow down while keeping the vehicle under control. Sudden steering can cause the vehicle to veer into oncoming lanes, exit the road, or collide with fixed objects. Drivers should assess the surrounding situation and avoid taking evasive actions that may pose even greater danger.
• Proper use of vehicle lights is essential. When there are no oncoming vehicles and conditions permit, high beams can help drivers detect animals ahead on dark roads more quickly. When encountering oncoming traffic, switch to low beams, comply with applicable laws, and adjust your driving speed according to the visible distance ahead.
• Leave yourself some room to react. Avoid distractions, maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, and adjust your speed according to the darkness, weather, and road conditions. If the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, a greater following distance may give you the extra time needed to respond safely.

Yoshizawa indicates: "When an animal appears, the driver may feel that they must make an immediate choice between hitting it and avoiding it. The safest course of action depends on the specific circumstances, but it is always important to prioritize keeping the vehicle under control and to prevent more serious secondary collisions."

What if a collision is unavoidable?

Even the most cautious drivers may not be able to avoid every collision with wildlife. Mercury suggests that in the event of an accident, one should first ensure their own safety before assessing the damage to the vehicle.

• If possible, pull out of the traffic flow first. Move the vehicle to a safe location without causing additional danger, turn on the hazard lights, and be alert to approaching vehicles.
• Check to see if anyone is injured. If anyone is injured or needs emergency assistance, please call 911. If animals or malfunctioning vehicles pose a danger to the road, you should also notify the relevant authorities.
• Stay away from injured wild animals. The behavior of frightened or injured animals can be unpredictable. Contact the local law enforcement department or animal control agency if necessary.
• Record the accident under safe conditions. When possible, take photographs of the vehicle damage and the surrounding environment, and document the location of the collision as well as the circumstances of the incident.
• Contact the insurance company. Report the incident as soon as possible, and inquire about the coverage, deductible, and the claims process.

Understand your insurance coverage

Wildlife collisions can also raise a question: which parts of a car insurance policy may be applicable in such cases.

Losses caused by directly hitting a deer or other animals are usually covered by comprehensive car insurance, but it is necessary to comply with the terms and conditions of the policy. Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage in many states, however, lending institutions and rental companies may require it to be purchased.

If the driver makes a sudden sharp turn to avoid an animal, and then crashes into a tree, a guardrail, or another vehicle as a result, the resulting vehicle damage may be covered under collision insurance. Which specific type of coverage applies depends on the circumstances of the accident and the terms of the relevant insurance policy.

Yoshizawa indicates that "the driver may not be aware that hitting an animal, as well as hitting other objects in order to avoid the animal, may involve different types of insurance coverage. Understanding these differences in advance and reviewing your own policy before an accident occurs can help you make more informed decisions regarding your own protection."

As November brings more frequent wildlife activity to many regions of the United States, Mercury encourages drivers to be more alert on familiar roads, especially during early mornings and evening hours.

Yoshizawa indicates that deer collisions are unpredictable, but drivers are not powerless to reduce the risk. remaining alert, driving at a reduced speed, and knowing how to respond can help protect everyone on the road.

For information regarding Mercury "Wildlife Collision Clock", please visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance ( NYSE / NYSE Texas : MCY ) is a multi-line of insurance company that primarily provides personal auto insurance, homeowner insurance, tenant insurance, and business insurance through an independent agent network. Its services cover Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia, and it also offers auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also underwrites other types of insurance in several states, including business insurance, business owner insurance and commercial auto insurance, landlord insurance, shared housing insurance, ride-hailing vehicle insurance, as well as machinery protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with cost-effective insurance services in 11 states, leveraging a network of over 4,200 employees and more than 6,340 independent agents, offering competitive rates and high-quality customer service. Mercury has received an "A" rating from A.M, and has also been recognized as "Best Auto Insurance Company" by Forbes and Insure.com. For more information, please visit www.MercuryInsurance.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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