Iowans warned to look out for wayward critters

As the weather gets warmer, Iowa motorists are warned to be on-guard for more animals darting into their path. Scott Kinney, spokesman for the Iowa Insurance Division, says unless it’s a big animal like a cow, it’s likely best not to try and swerve to avoid it. Kinney says it’s probably better to hit the animal instead of crashing into the ditch. He says animals are getting frisky and are taking risks, and as the deer population becomes more mobile, the accidents are happening in cities.Kinney says Iowans should check their auto policies as collision insurance may only cover accidents with other vehicles. He says a comprehensive policy can cover damage to your car in crashes involving animals, as well as fires, explosions, riots and even earthquakes. Kinney says many Iowa motorists collide with animals.The Iowa D-O-T says about four thousand incidents are reported every year statewide with cars hitting deer and other animals, but 12-thousand carcasses are picked up along roadsides that’ve been hit.