Fawning season and supply chain concerns are already hitting the collision repair industry hard this summer.

This is usually the time of the year when does are looking for safe places to have their fawns and younger deer are venturing out for the first time as adults. That has led to one of the busiest springs in recent memory for Sahs Auto owner Randy Sahs in terms of repairing damaged vehicles from collisions with deer. Complicating the repair process is the lack of available parts. Many manufacturers are still trying to catch up from COVID-19 related shutdowns to make sure new parts are made, especially if they are used for new technologies. Once they are ready to go to stores and auto shops, the nationwide driver shortage is causing those parts to be shipped slower and more inefficient. Sahs says auto body technicians and customers will have to be patient for a while.

Making matters worse for consumers is if they need a rental car. According to the Washington Post, rental car companies had to sell some of their fleet just to make ends meet during the pandemic. The subsequent rental car shortage has caused rates to go up until new vehicles can be added. Sahs recommends people drive a little bit slower during dusk and dawn when deer are the most active.