Study: Pennsylvania Drivers More Likely to Hit a Deer This Year

Jake Bauer

Jake Bauer

Published September 20, 2016 4:26 am
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BLOOMINGTON, Il. – In many U.S. states, drivers are all too familiar with deer crossing signs, but they may not know how close the danger actually is.

State Farm has released its annual deer claim study, which ranks states by the potential drivers had of hitting a large animal, including deer, elk, and moose over a given time period.

On average, one of every 41 West Virginia drivers will have an insurance claim for damage caused by a collision with a deer in 2016.

The top five states a driver was most likely to have a claim from a collision with a deer, elk, or moose in the 2015-2016 study are:

Rank State 2015-16 Odds Percent Change from 2014-15
1 West Virginia 1 in 41 5.4% more likely
2 Montana 1 in 58 9.1% more likely
3 Pennsylvania 1 in 67 5.8% more likely
4 Iowa 1 in 68 1.4% less likely
5 South Dakota 1 in 70 4.7% less likely

Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn. The likelihood of colliding with a large animal more than doubles during the months of October, November, and December, during deer mating season. Whether you hit a large animal or it jumps into the side of your vehicle, such collisions can cause significant injuries and property damage. No matter where you live, it’s important to keep your eyes up and focus on the road, helping you take action in the event a large animal is suddenly in your path. Some other tips to help keep drivers safe include:

  • 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 beams to 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 to 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.”

More 2016 State Farm deer collisions facts

The national average cost per claim for 2015-2016 was $3,995.08, down just slightly from $4,135.00 in 2014-2015.

The months when most drivers experienced collisions with a deer, elk, or moose in the U.S., mostly due to deer mating season, were:

  • November
  • October
  • December

Methodology

Using its claims data and state licensed driver counts from the Federal Highway Administration, State Farm calculates the chances of any single American motorist striking a deer, elk, or moose during the time frame of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The data has been projected for the insurance industry as a whole, based on the State Farm personal vehicle market penetration within each state. The State Farm data is based on comprehensive and collision claims only. Claims involving policyholders with liability insurance coverage only are not included.

For more information, visit www.statefarm.com.

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