GEICO's Deer Safety Quiz

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We've tried to stump you with our Road Song Trivia, tested your Tire Knowledge and even tried to trick you with our Advertising Quiz. But our latest endeavor, Our Deer Safety Quiz, may be our best yet! Not only is it fun, but it's informative as well. We hope you'll agree...

1. According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — iihs.org), which states have the highest deer-vehicle collision rates (meaning, in which states should you be extra careful)?
  1. a. Washington, Pennsylvania, Colorado
  2. b. Kentucky, New York, New Jersey
  3. c. West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania
The answer is C. West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have the highest claim frequency in deer-vehicle collisions. West Virginia has a frequency of 51 collisions per 1,000 vehicles and is 3.6 times the national average. Federal data shows that deaths from animal-vehicle crashes are rising with the highest fatality rates in Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
2. When a deer hits the open road for a little adventure, he's:
  1. a. The James Dean type — mysterious, moody, and going solo.
  2. b. A romantic — he travels with his better half and enjoys a serious commitment to his one-and-only. He is exclusive and believes that three's a crowd.
  3. c. All about the party scene. The more, the merrier.
The answer is C. Deer are pack animals (or you might say, party animals) and they rarely travel alone. If you're on the road and you see a deer, chances are that many more are nearby. Slow down and keep an eye out along the edge of the road where deer like to graze.
3. It may sound like the beginning of a bad joke, but a deer steps into the road and you:
  1. a. Stop, drop, and roll.
  2. b. Slow down, brake calmly, stay on the same course, and give the deer a chance to move.
  3. c. Swerve wildly and dramatically while screaming.
The answer is B. You always want to maintain control of your vehicle, so slow down when you see a Deer Caution sign, stay alert, brake firmly but calmly, and stay in your lane. The deer should jump out of the way. Swerving is bad for two reasons: first, you could easily move into on-coming traffic and cause a head-on collision or veer off the roadway into a tree or ditch; and second, deer are unpredictable and quick so they may panic and jump in the direction that you're swerving making the situation even worse.

4. You're driving alone on a dark, stormy night. Every few seconds, lightning rips across the sky when suddenly you see... a yellow diamond with an image of a deer on it! Do you:
  1. a. Keep the pedal to the metal. Dark and stormy sounds like a horror movie waiting to happen, and you want to get to where you're going.
  2. b. Turn around and find another route.
  3. c. Slow down, watch for the shine of eyes on the edge of the road, and then slow down some more.
The answer is C. Pay close attention to caution signs. They are specifically placed near high-traffic areas for deer and other animals. So slow down (even if you're in a rush, it's worth slowing down rather than chancing the alternative) and pay attention. Slowing down is the best away to avoid a collision with a deer.
5. The best way to hypnotize a deer is to:
  1. a. Shine a bright light in its eyes.
  2. b. Honk your horn to the song "Doe a Deer."
  3. c. Shake a stick at it.
The answer is A. While we've never actually tried shaking a stick at a deer, we do know that deer are easily mesmerized by bright, steady lights. If you see a deer frozen in the road, slow down and flash your lights to break the spell. And, give one long blast of your horn to startle it away.
6. If you're driving at night, should you use your high beams?
  1. a. No. They attract animals.
  2. b. No. It's a pain to turn them off each time you pass a car.
  3. c. Yes. As long as other cars aren't around.
The answer is C. High beam headlights increase the illuminated area and make it easier for you to spot wildlife, like deer. Of course, you should turn them off when other cars are nearby as a courtesy, but it's smart to use them as a way to help you spot a flash of eyes or movement on the side of the road. Just remember that bright lights can mesmerize a deer in the road, so follow the tips above if that happens.
7. A deer doesn't take too kindly to colliding with your car (in fact, they take it quite personally); but in the event that the worst happens, what's the single most important factor for reducing injuries in a deer-vehicle collision?
  1. a. Your seatbelt. Wear it every time. No exceptions.
  2. b. Speed. Slow down, slow down, slow down.
  3. c. Remaining calm. A calm driver is a smart driver.
Trick question. When it comes to deer safety, all three answers are very important anytime you're on the road. But we never know when or where an accident can occur, so wear your seatbelt at all times — no questions, no exceptions.

8. Deer feel most romantic towards each other:
  1. a. On Valentine's Day, when it's customary to give your boyfriend a symbol of your affection (an orange hunting flag you pull off a shrub always goes over well).
  2. b. Just as it starts to get chilly out. They do love to cuddle.
  3. c. As soon as summer gets under way and vacation season has started.
The answer is B. Though it may seem like a silly question, deer are highly active during breeding season and usually on the move. From October through January, deer-vehicle collisions are at their peak, and it's the time of year when you should be especially alert and aware, if deer are common in your area. Keep in mind that deer are most active between dusk and dawn, periods when your vision is most compromised.
9. In this scenario, we have a sacrificial deer (not lamb): You've done everything you can to avoid a collision; but despite slowing down, flashing your lights, maintaining control, and staying calm, you're about to collide with a deer. To minimize damage, do you:
  1. a. Maintain steady pressure on the brakes
  2. b. Release the brakes at the moment of impact
  3. c. Hit the gas
The answer is B. Take your foot off the brake to reduce the likelihood the deer will come through the windshield (braking hard can cause the nose of your vehicle to dip). After the collision, never touch or approach the deer. Call emergency services if you suspect there are injuries to you or passengers in the vehicle, or call the local police if no one is injured but damage has been caused to your property or someone else's.
10. You're on a multi-lane road and pass a sign indicating the area is frequented by deer. The safest lane for avoiding a deer collision is the:
  1. a. Center lane
  2. b. Unpaved shoulder
  3. c. Right-hand lane
The answer is A. Unless you're looking for a flat tire or you want to get up-close and personal for a photo op with the wildlife, the center lane (not far left or right) is your best bet, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road.

It's great to have a little fun when you're learning something new (or taking a little refresher course), but deer safety is an important and life-saving topic that everyone should know more about. For additional information, check out the Deer Safety article from our Fall 2009 issue.

We'd love to hear from you! What would you like to learn more about? Insurance 101? Teen driving tips? Tips on life insurance or tips for a safe vacation? Email us at newsletter@geicomail.com and your idea could be a feature in our next issue!

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