Where are Animal (Deer) Collisions Most Likely?

How likely are you to have an animal collision?

What can you do to try to avoid hitting deer and other animals when driving on highways and roads?

As dusk falls and visibility becomes more difficult, two deer leap onto the busy road. It’s not an uncommon sight for many drivers, especially in October, November and December. New data shows U.S. drivers on the average have a 1 in 109 chance of a collision with an animal, according to the State Farm^® annual analysis. The company estimates there were over 2 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 (almost 200,000 more claims than in the previous 12-month period observed).

Where are animal collisions most likely?

West Virginia continues to top the list of states where an individual driver is most likely to hit an animal, with a likelihood of 1 in 37.

Montana (1 in 39 chance of a crash), South Dakota (1 in 48 chance), Michigan (1 in 54 chance of a crash) and Pennsylvania (1 in 54) are at the top of the list. Rounding out the top 10 states where drivers are most likely to collide with an animal are Wisconsin, Mississippi, Wyoming, Minnesota and Iowa. The months drivers are most likely to collide with a large animal in the U.S. are (in order) November, October and December.

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High Risk States

Medium Risk States

Low Risk States

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State Name					Percent Change
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How can you avoid deer (and other animals) in your headlights?

The growing deer and other animal populations, combined with the displacement of animal habitats, are making it more dangerous on the road, and making driver crashes more likely. The top 10 animal collisions reported by State Farm were: deer, unidentified animals, rodents, dogs, racoons, cattle, coyotes, turkey, cats and birds. And rounding out the list in last place are tortoises.

There may be no real way to keep animals off the road, but these important safety tips can help prevent animal strikes.

Tips to avoid animals on the road

Stay alert. Pay attention to "deer crossing" and “wildlife crossing” signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.
Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on an animal in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.
Don't swerve. If a car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don’t veer off the road.
Brake as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn, and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.
Remember peak season. Animal collisions happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
Remember meal time. Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.
Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.
Don't use a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.
Wear seat belts. Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.

Does car insurance cover animal damage?

Did you know that a deer collision or other animal damage may be covered by comprehensive coverage? Contact your State Farm agent to learn more about comprehensive coverage.