What are the odds you will hit a deer with your vehicle?
With the fall season rapidly approaching, State Farm car insurance has unveiled a comprehensive report shedding light on the risk of vehicle collisions with animals, particularly deer.
The heightened risk of animal collisions, particularly with deer, is most pronounced from October through December, constituting nearly half of all such incidents throughout the year.
According to State Farm‘s claims data, November emerges as the most perilous month for such accidents. The month holds the dubious distinction of being the peak period for such incidents.
State Farm’s analysis predicts a staggering 297,000 animal collisions for the upcoming November, highlighting a significant threat to motorists navigating the nation’s roads.
However, the peril is far from uniform across the United States, as certain states face notably higher risks compared to others.
Which states bear the highest risk of animal collisions?
State Farm’s latest data offers a detailed breakdown of the states where drivers are most likely to encounter animals while on the road.
At the top of the list is West Virginia, where the odds of a driver colliding with an animal are a startling one in 38.
Following closely behind is Montana, with odds of one in 53, and Pennsylvania, where the odds stand at one in 59. Michigan and Wisconsin share the fourth position, with both states having odds of one in 60.
Remarkably, between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, State Farm received an astounding 1.8 million car insurance claims related to animal collisions, further underlining the gravity of this issue.
Moreover, the risk for humans in an animal collision is very worrying. Fatalities can happen in car-versus-deer collisions, depending on the size and shape of the car and the size of the deer.
How can drivers minimize the risk of animal collisions?
Th elevated danger during fall is a result of various factors, including shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, and the onset of deer mating season, which prompts the animals to be more active and visible on roadways.
To mitigate the risk, it is important to remain vigilant, especially in areas adjacent to wooded and water-rich regions and to use high beams to deter animals from the road.
Additionally, drivers are encouraged to brake, when necessary, honk their horns, and tap their brakes to warn other motorists.
Motorists should also be aware that animal collisions are most likely to occur during the evening and early morning hours.
State Farm emphasizes that if one deer is spotted on the road, there are likely more nearby, and drivers should not rely on car-mounted deer whistles as there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Lastly, seat belts should always be worn, speed limits obeyed, and motorists should report all deer-vehicle collisions to the police to assist in the implementation of safety measures.
These safety measures include deer-crossing warning signs, aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of these potentially deadly incidents on our nation’s roads.