Cars vs. Animals:  How Likely Is It To Happen To You?

As we head into fall, State Farm is sharing its latest data into animal collisions. Its researchers say the odds of U.S. drivers hitting an animal are 1 in 128 this year, down slightly from 1 in 127 last year.   The nation's largest car insurer says it estimates over 1.8 million auto insurance claims involving animal collisions were filed across the industry from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. 

Deer once again led as the top animal struck, followed by rodents, dogs, raccoons and coyotes. The most dangerous months for animal collisions are, in order, November, October and December. 

A paved, rural road with little traffic and low light is a common scenario to hit wildlife according to researchers.  Results from a State Farm Survey indicate between 30% and 50% of drivers had accidents during those conditions. 

Speeding or using your phone only increases the risk. State Farm says that just one risky driving behavior, like those above, up the chance of an animal collision by 23%.

West Virginia remains the #1 riskiest state with odds at 1 in 40. West Virginia has held that spot for more than a decade. Montana is next with (1 in 54), followed by Michigan (1 in 59), Pennsylvania (1 in 61) and Wisconsin (1 in 63).

When it comes to claims,  Pennsylvania had the highest number of claims out of all the states, with more than 150,000. Michigan is second with approximately 131,000, followed by North Carolina (98,000), Texas (92,500) and Ohio (82,500).

State Farm provides these tips to help avoid and/or handle an animal collision if it occurs:

• Slow down, especially if you see an animal close to the road. Speed is the greatest safety factor in the magnitude if damage and physical injury.
  
• Stay alert. Scan the road for animals at any time of the day or night.
  
• Pay attention to “deer crossing” and other animal signs.
  
• Reduce distractions. Put the cell phone away.
  
• Brake, as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other drivers.
  
• Don't swerve. If a crash with an animal is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don't veer off the road.
  
• Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on wildlife may cause the animal to scurry away.
  
• Be aware of peak season. Animal crashes, especially deer, happen most often during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
  
• Watch for animals on the road between dusk and dawn.
  
• Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.

If you do hit an animal, first make sure you and anyone riding with you is okay. Then call 911 if the animal is large and still there after you hit it. Check if your vehicle is drivable. When it's safe to do so, take pictures, and if you need to, there are multiple ways you can file an insurance claim.

Photo Credit: State Farm.