Yesterday we received the following letter from a AAA member who recently experienced a collision with a deer. With her permission, we wanted to share her story with you.

"Unfortunately, I experienced my first collision with a deer late Friday night. I am a AAA member, and I am insured through AAA Insurance. I called AAA from the scene, and the woman on the phone guided me through all the steps I needed to take.

"I was driving by myself, at night, and naturally I was more than a little shaken up. She made sure I was in a well-lit, safe place, and she told me the tow truck would be there shortly. While I was waiting, she stayed on the phone with me and found a nearby AAA approved collision shop for me so my vehicle could be towed. Then, she informed me that I qualified for a one-day free rental car since I am a AAA Premier/RV® member.

"She booked my rental car on the spot and told me that the rental company would pick me up at home the next day. And, since I purchased rental car coverage on my auto insurance policy, I was also covered for up to $30 a day for a rental during the rest of the time that my vehicle was being repaired.

"AAA made an incredibly stressful situation much easier on me. If I did not have AAA, I am not sure what I would have done. Who would I call? How would my vehicle get to a repair shop? How much would that cost me? Thank you AAA for helping me get through a nerve-racking situation."

We're happy to help! That's why we're here.

How to Stay Safe on the Roads

Indeed, one of the most common insurance claims this time of year is for deer-vehicle collisions, when deer are most active. Here are some steps you can take to stay safe on the road.

• Be careful at dawn and dusk: During this time of the day, deer are more active, and driver visibility is poor. Be on the lookout when driving at dawn and dusk.
• Expect them to run: Slow down when approaching deer that are standing near roadsides. Deer may "bolt" or change direction at the last minute.
• Where there is one, there are others: If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and look for others to cross, too. Deer travel in groups, so expect other deer to follow.
• Learn from others: Be especially mindful when driving on roadways marked with deer crossing signs. These signs are placed in areas that have had a large number of deer-vehicle collisions.
• Don't swerve: If a deer darts out in front of you, brake firmly but resist the urge to swerve. Doing so could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Are you covered?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average car-deer claim is more than $3,300. This type of claim is covered under the comprehensive part of your auto policy. Want to check your policies to see if you would be covered? Another benefit of your AAA membership is a free policy review by a licensed AAA Insurance agent. Find an agent

Need a repair shop?

If you need help finding a repair facility you can trust, AAA has a network of approved auto and body repair facilities. Find a shop near you

How has AAA helped you? Tell us about it in the comments below.