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Likelihood Of Deer-Vehicle Collision Decreases Slightly In Georgia

7 Percent Decrease Nationwide - Cost of Repairs Rising

Atlanta, GA., October 3, 2011 - According to State Farm Insurance® claims data, the likelihood of a vehicle in Georgia being involved in a deer-vehicle collision over the next 12 months has decreased slightly from a year ago. The chances of that happening are now 1 in 154 compared with 1 in 150 a year ago, with 41,009 expected deer-vehicle collisions.

For the third consecutive year, the number of deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. has dropped. And the downturn is accelerating. The percentage decline over the last year is nearly three times as large as during the previous two years combined. Using its claims data, State Farm®, the nation's leading auto insurer, estimates 1.09 million collisions between deer and vehicles* occurred in the U.S. between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. That's 9 percent less than three years ago and 7 percent fewer than one year ago.

When Do Deer-Vehicle Collisions Occur?

State Farm's data shows that November, the heart of the deer migration and mating season, is the month during which deer-vehicle encounters are most likely. More than 18 percent of all such mishaps take place during the 30 days of November.

Deer-vehicle collisions are three times more likely to occur on a day in November than they are on any day between February 1st and August 31st. October is the second most likely month for a crash involving a deer and a vehicle. December is third.

The average property damage cost of these incidents during the final half of 2010 and the first half of 2011 was $3,171, up 2.2 percent from the year before.

Avoiding Deer-Vehicle Collisions

"State Farm has a long history of supporting auto safety," says State Farm spokesman Justin Tomczak. "Calling attention to potential hazards like this one is part of our DNA. While we can't put our finger directly on what's causing a decline in deer-vehicle collisions, we'd like to think media attention to our annual report on this subject has had at least a little bit to do with it."

Here are tips on how to reduce the odds of a deer-vehicle collision involving your vehicle becoming part of the story we tell next year:

• Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.
• Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
• Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.
• Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds - if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.
• Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.
• If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

 U.S. map showing likelihood of deer-vehicle collision by state

Chart listing likelihood of vehicle-deer collision by state

Contact Public Affairs in order to schedule media availabilities in your market.

Contact

Roszell Gadson, State Farm Corporate Public Affairs, (770) 418-5940.

Justin Tomczak, State Farm Corporate Public Affairs, (770) 418-5562.

About State Farm

State Farm is the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.