From 1975 to the mid-2000s, the number of fatalities from collisions with animals trended upward. While these numbers have since leveled off, the IIHS reports there were still 164 people killed in these accidents in 2021, with the highest number of deaths occurring from October to December. It is important to note that in many fatality accidents where collision with an animal is the first harmful event, there is often a secondary impact involved  such as with another vehicle, tree or guardrail. In a review of data from 147 fatal animal collision accidents from 2000-2002, IIHS reports 77% of the animals that were struck were deer, while the rest were comprised of a variety of animals, including cattle, horses, dogs and bears. State Farm recommends drivers do the following in order to best avoid an animal collision:
  • Slow down if you see an animal close to the road.
  • Stay alert for animals any time you are driving, but especially between dusk and dawn.
  • Pay attention to "deer crossing" and other wildlife signs
  • Reduce distractions while driving.
  • Use your brakes as needed to avoid hitting an animal. You can also honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other approaching drivers of an animal.
  • Don't swerve to avoid an animal. If a collision is inevitable, keep your vehicle under control and on the road.
  • Flash your high beams at wildlife you encounter to encourage them to scamper away from the road.
  • Be aware of peak seasons for animal collisions, especially when it comes to deer. Crashes with deer happen most often during hunting and mating season; from October through December.
  • Keep an eye out for herds of deer. Chances are that if you see one, there are more nearby that could enter your path.
In the slideshow above, we'll look at the states that State Farm determined have the highest rates of animal collisions in the U.S.

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Brittney Meredith-Miller

Brittney Meredith-Miller is assistant editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. She can be reached at [email protected].

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