OH DEER! BEWARE!!!

The annual cost of deer-vehicle collisions in the United States is almost $4 billion. A 2010 study by State Farm Insurance and Fortune magazine predicted there would be 1.1 million such crashes before 2010 ended.

Though the mating season from October to December brings the most crashed, Bambi and his pals are crossing the roads throughout the year.

Pennsylvania had the highest number of crashes last year at 102,165, followed by Michigan with 101,174. Among the 35 states where at least 7,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur per year, New Jersey and Nebraska posted the largest increase, 54 percent. In all the states, crashes increased by more than a third from the previous year.

Some drivers avoid roads through forests and areas of heavy brush where deer can appear suddenly. Others drive at a reduced speed to give them more time to stop and the deer more time to cross.

 

At night, using high-beam headlights allows the driver more time to spot a deer.

Be aware of deer crossing signs and believe them. Deer generally use the same routes each day to find water, food and their resting places. They are most active from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Deer travel in groups so when you see one deer, there could be several others coming behind it.

Brake, don’t swerve. Swerving to avoid a deer can cause a more serious crash, such as into an oncoming car in another lane, or swerving off the roadway and into a tree or a utility pole. The goal is to maintain control of the vehicle

Information provided by our friends at Standard Mutual

For more information visit http://www.marsinsurance.com/

Winter Driving Tips

Preparing your vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

1. 
   
   Have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle: battery; wipers and windshield washer fluid; antifreeze; ignition system; thermostat; lights; exhaust system; flashing hazard lights; heater; brakes; defroster; oil level.


2. 
   
   Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions. This depends on the laws of your state. Check your state and county laws to see what is allowed on the roadway.


3. 
   
   Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season. It may also be beneficial to carry a bag of salt or sand in your vehicle. Not only does this give a little extra weight in the vehicle but can be used to give extra traction if the vehicle gets stuck in the snow or on ice.


4. 
   
   Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions.

Source: New York State Emergency Management Office website

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

The difference between Comp and Collision

Do you know the difference between Collision coverage and Comprehensive coverage for your vehicle? First up -- these are the two main coverages that protect your car:

Collision: With Collision coverage, the insurer will pay to repair damage to your car when you hit, or are hit by, another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. When you buy Collision, you choose a deductible, typically $250 or $500 but can go higher. This is the portion you pay if you have an accident. Remember, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. The insurance company then pays for the remaining costs to bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

Comprehensive: With Comprehensive coverage, the insurer will pay to repair damage to your car that's caused by something other than a collision, such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail, or flood. They also pay for damage caused by hitting an animal, and they pay for a rental vehicle if your car is stolen when you have rental coverage listed on your policy as an additional coverage. Like Collision, when you buy Comprehensive, you choose a deductible.

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

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