News Release: Montana Remains #2 in Nation for Deer Collisions
State Farm’s 15th annual deer claim study has been released and once again Montana comes in at #2 for states where you are most likely to collide with a deer.
On average, one out of every 57 Montana drivers will have a collision caused by a deer.
West Virginia took top honors where the chances of colliding with a deer are one in 43. Pennsylvania (one in 63), Iowa (one in 69) and Wisconsin (one in 72) round out the top five. All well above the national average of one in 162.
The study also finds that the cost to repair these large animal collisions are up nearly $200, averaging $4,179 per claim compared to $3,995 in 2016.
State Farm encourages all drivers to be aware of large animals near roadways especially during the months of October, November and December when the likelihood of colliding with a deer more than doubles.
Use the following tips to avoid becoming a statistic:
- Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn (when deer are most active)
- Remember if you see one deer more are nearby
- Remain focused on the road and pay attention to deer crossing signs
- If an animal is on the road, brake if you can, but avoid swerving, which could result in a more severe crash
- Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, which are not proven effective
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