Knowing deer and auto collision statistics can keep you safe while driving. For example, when driving during dusk — a well-known deer crossing time of the day — staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid colliding with a deer on the highway. Being aware of the risks, extent of damage and safety precautions can prevent a deer-car accident from ever occurring.
Deer Auto Collisions By the Numbers
Millions of deer and car collision accidents happen every year, causing damages ranging from broken headlights to total wrecks.
Updated: November 1, 2024
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Deer Accident Statistics
Startling Deer-Car Collision Stats
The following deer-car collision statistics highlight the risks and costs involved in these types of auto incidents.
About 1.5 million deer-car accidents happen every year.
More than $1 billion in annual insured losses are due to damages caused by deer-car accidents.
Deer-car accidents cause about 175 to 200 fatalities and 10,000 injuries annually.
The highest risk state in the U.S. for deer-car collisions is West Virginia at one in 37 vehicles.
States With the Highest and Lowest Risks
Depending on the state you live in, you may have higher risks of being involved in a deer-car accident. Based on average rates, West Virginia is the state with the highest risk, where one in 37 individuals will encounter a collision with a deer in the state. Following West Virginia, these states make up the top five riskiest states in the U.S.:
- Missouri: One in 47
- Pennsylvania: One in 51
- South Dakota: One in 53
- Iowa: One in 58
On the other hand, Washington, D.C. has the lowest risk. It has a one in 816 odds of a car to deer collision. In addition to Washington, D.C., these states make up the top five least risky states in the U.S. for a deer-car collision:
- Hawaii: One in 649
- Nevada: One in 551
- California: One in 427
- Arizona: One in 416
The Most Dangerous Times for Animal Collisions
The rate of animal collisions may vary greatly depending on the season and time of day. For instance, deer encounters on highways and roads will differ based on the animal’s behavior and movement. Additionally, driver behavior may also have an impact on accident cycles.
The Most Dangerous Seasons
The risk of colliding with a deer increases during autumn. It peaks from the last week of October through the first weeks of November. In comparison, the number of recorded deer-car accidents during this season is four times higher than the incidents that happen during spring.
The Most Dangerous Times
The time of day plays a role in the number of deer collisions. The most dangerous times are at dusk and dawn. The highest hourly rate occurs during dusk and the second peak happens at dawn. These are the times when deer are most active. Additionally, the ability of drivers to spot animals during these times is the poorest.
The moon’s phase showed an impact on the frequency of collisions. Based on studies, most deer-car accidents happen during a full moon. The number peaks at the time when the moon is the brightest. That is because deer tend to move greater distances when nights are highly illuminated. This means they are more likely to enter roadways.
How to Avoid a Deer Collision
Taking safety precautions can help you avoid a deer collision whenever you’re on the road. By being attentive, practicing defensive driving and knowing how to spot dangers can help keep you safe.
- 1
Recognize peak deer hours
Stay alert and be mindful of potential risk during peak deer hours. While they may be active at any time of the day, most deer-car accidents happen at dusk. Dawn is also a hazardous time for deer crossings. If you have to drive during these times, make sure to pay extra attention to the road and your surroundings.
- 2
Pay attention to signs and warnings
Areas with usual deer sightings have deer crossing signs, including places where roads divide agricultural areas and forests. Watch for these and remain aware while traveling on them. That said, even if there are no warning signs, you should remain watchful. It is important to note that many car accidents occur because of distracted driving.
- 3
Stay in the center lane
If you are on a road with multiple lanes, the safest way to avoid a deer-car accident is to stay in the center lane. You will have more time to react if a deer suddenly appears on the road. Make sure to check traffic laws to see if you are allowed to drive in the center lane.
- 4
Use your car’s headlights
Your headlights will help you see better in the dark and illuminate the road for any obstructions. Watch for yellow diamond signs with deer drawings. Keep an eye out for bright spots and keep in mind that the eyes of a deer will reflect your headlights.
- 5
Use high beams if possible
If you are driving at night and there is no oncoming traffic, turn on your high beams. These will help you spot animals more clearly, especially if they are on the road ahead. It will also allow you to see deer grazing or standing along the side of the road.
- 6
Watch out for more deer
Deer usually travel in packs and are seldom alone. If you see a deer, chances are there are more nearby. Slow down and stay alert for more deer that may appear or cross the road.
- 7
Wear your seatbelt
It is a must to wear a seatbelt at all times. Doing this will help prevent severe injuries in the event of a collision.
- 8
Press your brakes firmly and blow your horn
Reduce your speed when you see a deer near your path. Tap your brakes so that you can warn other drivers behind you. If there are no other vehicles behind, brake firmly and hard. Honk your horn, too. One long blast may be enough to scare the deer out of the road.
- 9
Do not swerve
Even if it is the driver’s first instinct to move away from the deer, it is safer to stay in your lane while reducing your speed. Swerving away from it could lead to a more serious accident. You may end up colliding with another vehicle. If it is not possible to avoid the deer, let your car strike it. If you are moving slowly, it could lead to less damage and prevent serious injuries.
What to Do if You've Hit a Deer
Getting in a car accident can be a confusing and stressful time, but it’s important to immediately ensure your safety and that of the people involved. There are various steps to take to manage the aftermath of an accident.
- Determine if you or anyone around is injured. Check the well-being and potential injuries of your passengers and yourself after the collision and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Do not approach the deer. If the deer is nearby, it is likely scared and wounded. This can make it more defensive and potentially dangerous.
- Move your vehicle. If possible, move your car to a safer area and away from traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights. This will help inform other drivers that there is a problem and to slow down.
- Call 911 and report the accident. Inform the operator that you’ve hit a deer, report any known injuries and tell them if the animal is still on the road.
- Check your vehicle. If you can move and are not injured, check your vehicle for damages.
- Document the accident. If it's safe to do so, take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the deer (if possible), and any skid marks or other relevant details at the accident scene. This documentation will be important when you file a claim, revealing the extent of the damage and the circumstances of the accident. Full coverage car insurance does cover hitting a deer, so documenting the incident thoroughly is key to a smooth claims process.
After taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety after a car accident, contact your insurance provider. Note the following points to help guide your discussion with them:
- Verify the coverage of your auto insurance policy. For example, a comprehensive auto insurance policy will cover all damages you incur from a deer car accident. But collision coverage only covers damages if you collide with an inanimate object.
- Ask them about the claim process.
- Find out how much your deductible is. This is the amount you will pay out of pocket. Depending on state laws and your policy, your insurance rates may increase after an accident.
Animal Collisions FAQs
Learning deer collision statistics and safety precautions can help you prevent deer-car accidents. MoneyGeek answers some of the frequently asked questions to give you more insight on the topic.
Around 1.5 million car crashes involve collisions with deer every year. That leads to more than $1 billion worth of damages and about 175 to 200 fatalities and 10,000 injuries.
West Virginia is the state with the greatest number of deer-car accidents. There is a one in 37 odds of a car collision involving a deer. Meanwhile, the least risky is Washington, D.C. at one in 816.
Generally, the best thing to do when you see a deer on your path is to reduce your speed. Stay in your lane and do not swerve. Swerving can cause you to collide with oncoming traffic. If you slow down and press your brakes, you may still end up hitting a deer. However, this should cause fewer injuries and damages than if you were to collide with another vehicle.
The first thing you need to do is to contact your insurance provider. Verify if your policy covers deer-car accidents. Then, begin the claims process. Depending on your insurance provider, you may start the process by informing them via email or phone. Be ready to provide relevant information. You should also know your deductible amount because that is what you will have to pay out of pocket.
No, hitting a deer is not an at-fault accident. It is often considered a random event. In most cases, car insurance rates don’t increase because the accidents are filed under comprehensive coverage. This, however, may vary depending on state law.
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About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
sources
- Colino-Rabanal, V., Langen, T., Lizana, M. & Peris, S. "Ungulate: Vehicle Collision Rates Are Associated With The Phase Of The Moon." Accessed October 19, 2024.
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Deer vehicle collisions." Accessed October 19, 2024.
- State of Connecticut Insurance Department. "Steer Clear of Deer Collisions." Accessed October 19, 2024.