Tag: Ocean County safety

  • What to Do If You Hit a Deer in New Jersey: Police Reports and Insurance Claims

    If you hit a deer in New Jersey, stay in your lane, move to a safe location if the vehicle can be moved, call local law enforcement, and report the loss to your insurer promptly. Do not approach an injured animal or attempt to take antlers from roadkill.

    Deer collisions are most common around dawn, dusk, and the fall mating season, but they can occur anywhere in the state. The steps below protect people first and preserve the records an insurer may need.

    What to do immediately after hitting a deer

    1. Stop safely. Turn on hazard lights and move out of a travel lane if the vehicle can be driven safely.
    2. Check for injuries. Call 911 for any injury, fire, leaking fuel, blocked roadway, or immediate danger.
    3. Call local police. New Jersey DEP advises motorists to report deer-vehicle collisions to local law enforcement immediately.
    4. Stay away from the deer. An injured animal can move suddenly and cause serious injury.
    5. Document the scene. From a safe location, photograph vehicle damage, the road, debris, location, weather, and any relevant signs.
    6. Arrange safe towing. Do not drive with leaking fluids, damaged lights, tire contact, deployed airbags, or impaired steering.

    Do not swerve if impact is unavoidable

    NJDEP and NJDOT advise drivers to brake appropriately and stay in their lane when a collision appears inevitable. Swerving can send a vehicle into opposing traffic, a tree, a guardrail, or pedestrians and can turn an animal strike into a more serious crash.

    If one deer crosses, slow down and expect others. Use high beams when lawful and when no vehicle is ahead or approaching, reduce speed in deer-active areas, and leave more following distance.

    When is a crash report required?

    New Jersey’s driver manual says motorists must notify police of crashes involving injury, death, or vehicle or property damage. If property damage exceeds $500 or anyone is injured, the motorist must send a written report to the MVC within 10 days if no police report is filed. A separate written MVC report is not required when police file the report.

    Because $500 is a low threshold for modern vehicle repairs, calling police from the scene is the safest practical approach. Ask how to obtain the report number and a copy.

    Which insurance coverage pays?

    Damage caused by contact with a deer or other animal is generally handled under comprehensive coverage, subject to the deductible and policy terms. Collision coverage generally addresses impact with another vehicle, a fixed object, an object in the roadway, or an overturn.

    Personal Injury Protection addresses covered medical expenses; it does not pay for vehicle damage. If you do not carry comprehensive coverage, your own policy may not pay to repair deer-impact damage.

    Protect the insurance claim

    • Notify the insurer or agent promptly.
    • Keep the police report number, photographs, towing invoice, storage information, and repair documents.
    • Make the vehicle available for inspection before permanent repairs.
    • Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as covering a broken opening when safe.
    • Remove personal belongings if the vehicle is stored, and track daily storage charges.

    NJDOBI says an insurer that intends to inspect generally must do so within seven working days after notice when the damaged vehicle is available at a reasonably convenient place and time. Do not interpret that rule as permission to leave a vehicle accruing unlimited storage fees.

    Can you keep the deer or its antlers?

    No. New Jersey Fish & Wildlife states that it is illegal to possess antlers from roadkill or a naturally deceased deer. Do not move, tag, or take any part of the animal. Let law enforcement or the appropriate road authority handle it.

    What if the insurer totals the vehicle?

    If repair cost is economically impractical compared with the vehicle’s pre-loss actual cash value, the insurer may declare a total loss. Request the complete valuation report, verify trim, mileage, options, condition, comparable vehicles, tax, deductible, and any prior-damage deduction. A settlement generally is based on actual cash value, not the outstanding loan balance.

    How to obtain a New Jersey crash report

    For a local-police report, follow the instructions provided by the responding agency. New Jersey State Police motor-vehicle crash reports can be requested through the state’s official crash-report portal.

    Bottom line

    Do not swerve into a more dangerous crash. Stop safely, call police, avoid the animal, document the damage, notify the insurer, and make the vehicle available for inspection. Comprehensive coverage—not PIP—generally handles direct animal-contact damage.

    Official sources

    This article provides general safety and insurance information, not legal advice.

  • NJ Power Outage Survival Guide: What to Do, Who to Call, and How to Prep (PSEG & JCP&L)

    A clear, New Jersey–focused guide to staying safe, informed, and prepared when the lights go out.

    By Exit Desk

    Power outages happen in every season across New Jersey, and many families in Ocean, Monmouth, and Burlington Counties say they’ve learned to keep a simple plan ready. Storms, accidents, and equipment issues can cause sudden loss of power, so knowing what to do first helps reduce stress and keeps households safe.

    1. Report the Outage Immediately
      PSEG and JCP&L both offer fast online and phone reporting tools. Families say reporting right away helps utilities track the scope of the outage more accurately.
    2. Check for Downed Wires from a Distance
      Parents tell us that staying far back and calling authorities is the safest approach. Downed lines can be hidden by branches or snow after storms.
    3. Use Flashlights Instead of Candles
      Many NJ households keep battery-powered lights in a kitchen drawer. Readers say this helps prevent fire risks, especially with kids or pets around.
    4. Preserve Phone Battery Life
      Switching to low-power mode and avoiding video apps helps stretch battery hours. Families say having portable chargers ready is a big help during longer outages.
    5. Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Closed
      This simple step keeps food cold much longer. Parents across the state say it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent spoilage.
    6. Know Your Utility’s Restoration Map
      PSEG and JCP&L provide online outage maps with estimated restoration times. Readers say checking these tools keeps them updated without tying up phone lines.
    7. Unplug Sensitive Electronics
      Families unplug TVs, computers, and gaming systems to protect against power surges. This habit helps avoid damage when electricity returns suddenly.
    8. Prepare a Small Emergency Kit
      NJ households often keep bottled water, snacks, blankets, and a few basic tools handy. Parents say having one grab-and-go kit reduces stress during storms.
    9. Use Generators Safely and Outdoors Only
      Seniors and families with medical equipment sometimes rely on generators. Readers say keeping them far from the house and never indoors prevents dangerous fumes.
    10. Plan for Medication and Health Needs
      Parents and older adults tell us that setting aside essential medications is important during multi-hour outages. A small supply helps maintain routines.
    11. Check on Neighbors, Especially Seniors
      Many New Jersey families make a point to check in on elderly neighbors. This simple act helps communities stay safe during storms.
    12. Review Your Family’s Plan Every Season
      Readers say updating your list of contacts, supplies, and responsibilities keeps everyone on the same page. The best plans are simple enough for kids to understand, too.

    Having a clear routine in place helps New Jersey families stay calm and organized when outages occur. Many readers say that preparation, communication, and quick reporting make a big difference during storm season. Share your own tips in the comments so other households can stay ready year-round.
    📅 December 4, 2025