State Farm: Car/Animal Collisions Are Down From Previous Year

In an era when the nation's roads seem to be getting more dangerous - with traffic deaths reaching a 16-year high in 2021 - here's a glimmer of more positive news. State Farm says the number of car collisions with animals are down this reporting period, according to its accident claims.  

Car/Animal Collisions

State Farm says an estimated 1.9 million car/animal collisions occurred on U.S. roads between July 2021 and June 2022. That's a 5.5 percent drop than the previous 12-month period in State Farm's annual analysis - a period in which it reported an increase in car/animal collisions during the pandemic.

While these collisions can happen year-round, the fall months are particularly dangerous, with the most dangerous months for animal collisions are November, October and December, in this order.

Looking at the state with the most animal collisions claims,  that would be Pennsylvania with an estimated total industry animal collisions count of 156,176 claims. That's put the likelihood that 1 out of 57 for licensed drivers will hit an animal while behind the wheel.  The animals most commonly hit by motorists in PA were deer (by far), "unidentified animals" and rodents, in this order.

Claims aside, the state where drivers have the highest likelihood of hitting an animal is West Virginia, with a probability of 1 in 35. There, the animals most likely to be hit by drivers are deer (by far), followed by "unidentified animals," and by dogs, in this order.

State Farm says these two different state rankings differ because for the likelihood or probability of animal collisions state ranking, both the number of license drivers and the total number of animal collisions in each state affect the calculation, while for the industry claims ranking only the first variable (number of claims) matters.

State Farm says many times animal collisions end up in road kills, and often in injuries or even deaths of drivers and passengers. Vehicle damage can vary wildly, from a scratch or a bump to a car being completely totaled. That depends on factors such as the speed or the size of the animal hit.

The range of animals involved in auto crashes is diverse. Although there are differences among states, nationwide, the top 5 animals most commonly hit by motorists in US roads were:

1. Deer (industry estimated 1.3 million)
2. Unidentified animals (236,000)
3. Rodents (102,000)
4. Dog (60k)
5. Raccoon (56k).

Be Aware and Prepared

State Farm provides these 10 tips that could help you reduce the odds of a car/animal collision:

• Slow down, especially if you see an animal close to the road.
• Stay alert. Scan the road for animals day and night, both in the countryside and in the city, and pay attention to “deer crossing” and other animal signs.
• Reduce distractions. Put the cell phone away. It can help you avoid injuring motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians and animals too.
• 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 a deer may cause the animal to scurry away.
• Be aware of peak season. Deer crashes happen most often during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
• Be mindful of meal time. Watch for animals on the road between dusk and dawn.
• Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.

If despite all of this you hit an animal, make sure you and your passenger aren't hurt. Call 911 if the animal is large and still there after you hit it. Check to see if your vehicle is drivable. When it's safe, take pictures and, if needed, file an insurance claim.

Photo Credit:  State Farm.