Is Your State More Prone to Deer Collisions?

November 22, 2016

If you live in deer country, chances are you’re familiar with how to navigate your backcountry roads. But for the millions of Americans hitting the roads for the holiday travel season, collisions with deer are a significant concern. During the months of October, November and December not only are there more cars on the road, but the deer are more active as it’s during their mating period. For this reason, deer can behave quite differently than they might during other times of year.

RELATED: Understanding the Deer Rut

In State Farm’s annual report on deer collision claims it found that West Virginia and Montana were the two states where motorists are most likely to strike a deer. Pennsylvania, Iowa and South Dakota were close behind. In West Virginia motorists have a 1 in 41 chance of colliding with a deer, a 5.4 percent increase from the year previous. In Montana the chances are 1 in 58, in Pennsylvania 1 in 67 and in South Dakota 1 in 70. All this is to say be careful this holiday season. From the insurance adjusters at State Farm they have the following advice for driving in deer country. And because hitting a deer is just no fun for anybody.

Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn
If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road
Pay attention to deer crossing signs
Always buckle up, every trip, every time
Use your high beamsto see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic
Brake if you can, but avoid swerving, which could result in a more severe crash
Remain focused on the road, scanning for hazards, including animals
Avoid distractions, like devices or eating, which might cause you to miss seeing an animal
Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, which are not proven effective
If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear and keep focus on the road ahead

“We know there is an increased risk of collision with deer around dawn and dusk, and also during the October-December breeding season,” said Chris Mullen, Director of Technology Research at State Farm. “However, drivers should be engaged, alert and on the lookout at all times, because you never know when you may need to react to a deer or any other obstacle that may suddenly be in your path.” Photo credit: Flickr

Deer

Let's go surfin' dude!
Beautiful whitetail deer
Do these stripes look like targets?
Deer down
Maybe this rock will provide cover.
Hey little guy.
I'm a pretty boy.
Do my ears look big to you?
The perfect shot
I'm just going to learn to like this stuff.
A rare albino deer
Blacktail deer in dry grass
Blacktail deer on lush hillside
A leen blacktail deer seeks shade
Deer in Brownfield, Texas
Deer in the rain
Red deer with beautiful antlers
Red deer on a hillside
Jump! Let's go!

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