Oh Deer! Top 5 States for Deer Collisions

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October 21st, 2013 at 12:23 pm star

^{Photo from} ^{Worst State for Deer Collisions}

So begins the season of deer.

Recently, State Farm projected a driver will have a 1 in 174 chance of striking a deer and those collisions will cost an average of $3,414. They created a list of the top 30 states for deer collisions, projected collisions totals per state and the chance of collisions. See the list here.

Last year, 1,231,710 deer-auto accidents were reported.

Top 5 states for deer collisions in 2013:

1. West Virginia – Projected collisions: 28,968 / Chance of collision: 1 in 41

2. Montana – Projected collisions: 11,549 / Chance of collision: 1 in 65

3. Iowa – Projected collisions: 29,843 / Chance of collision: 1 in 73

4. South Dakota – Projected collisions: 8,083 / Chance of collision: 1 in 75

5. Pennsylvania – Projected collisions: 114,933 / Chance of collision: 1 in 77

Michigan falls number 10 on this year's list with projected collisions at 77,103 and a chance of collision of 1 in 91.

When do deer collisions occur?

November is the month mostly likely to hit a deer. It is prime hunting and mating season, creating an increase in deer movement. According to State Farm, about 18% off all deer accident will happen in November.

Deer accidents are 3 times more likely to occur on a day in November than any day between February and August. October is the second most likely month and December is the third.

Tips on how to avoid deer collisions:

- Deer generally travel groups, so if you see one there are probably more nearby.

- Pay attention to deer crossings signs. They are put in active locations.

- Remember that deer are most active during early morning and evening hours.

- Use high-beam lights as much as possible.

- Do not swerve if you are about to hit a deer. Losing control of your vehicle and going off the road or into the path of an oncoming vehicle could be far worse than hitting a deer.

- Car-mounted deer whistles are not always effective.

For more information visit:

Worst States for Deer Collisions http://www.carinsurance.com/Articles/odds-of-hitting-deer.aspx?WT.qs_osrc=

Deer-Vehicle Collisions: State Farm http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2013/10/01/237673.htm

Posted in Uncategorized, Legal, News by Jason Waechter, Esq.

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Oh dear, oh my says:

October 21st, 2013 at 1:24 pm star

Great article, love the title. I have yet to hit a dear, but I usually watch for all the tips you mentioned. Glad to hear the car-mounted whistles are no good, I was thinking of installing one.

Does the 1 in 174 chance imply that out 174 times on the road each driver will hit 1 dear OR out of 174 drivers 1 will hit a dear?