Julia Eisen – WMAL News | October 5, 2023
Deer mating season is upon us and AAA is warning drivers to be extra cautious.
Vehicle repairs related to deer strikes are up 60 percent in Maryland over the last five years and up 40 percent in Virginia.
With deer strikes going up, costs are increasing as well.
“The average insurance claim in Virginia is more than $5,500… The average claim in Maryland was actually more than $6,300. And in the District the average claim was more than $5,200,” AAA spokesperson Ragina Ali told WMAL News.
The increase in costs is due to the better technology available for cars.
“New vehicle technology, such as cameras and sensors… means that unfortunately when you’re in a collision, whether that’s with a deer or another vehicle, it’s actually driving up the costs of repairs,” Ali said.
Additionally, lingering supply chain setbacks are also causing prices to rise.
AAA is advising drivers to be especially careful during common commute hours. Deer are mostly seen during the hours of 5 A.M. to 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.
Tune in live for more on the stories that matter to you: WMAL.com | WMAL app | “Alexa, play W-M-A-L”
Copyright 2023 by WMAL.com. All rights reserved.Follow WMAL on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Rumble, Gettr and Parler
