‘Tis the season for animal crashes | People

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – ‘Tis the season for animal crashes. According to the Department of Transportation, more animal crashes occur from October to December than any other quarter.

Officials say the increase in crashes can be attributed to it being deer mating season.

According to data provided by State Farm Insurance, North Carolina ranked 16 in 2010-2011 for the most deer accidents in the country.

Kevin Harrelson, owner of Southeastern Paint and Body in Chadbourn, said his business typically averages about 40 vehicles a month. Harrelson said his business has increased nearly 35 percent in November because more cars are getting hit by deer.

Harrelson said repairs to a vehicle hit by a deer normally cost about $1,800-$2,500 and could take up to ten days. According to Harrelson, some car parts are taking longer to come in because of Hurricane Sandy.

The body shop owner recommends everyone get collision coverage on their insurance, especially if you live in a rural community.

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