Study: Alabama Car-Deer Crashes Rank State As 'High-Risk'

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Alabama ranks as one of the "high-risk" states where drivers are more likely to hit a deer on state roadways. The odds of drivers hitting deer on state roads more than double from October through December, when the deer mating season is underway. The cost of a crash with a deer can be deadly, along with hefty insurance claims.

An estimated 1 in every 131 drivers in Alabama struck a deer between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, according to an annual State Farm study. Alabama was 23rd in a list of states where crashes involving deer can occur.

In the 2015-16 study, an estimated 1 in every 135 drivers in Alabama struck a deer, ranking the state 22nd nationwide. The 15th annual State Farm deer claim study ranks states by the potential likelihood a driver has of hitting a large animal, such as deer, elk, moose or caribou.

Nationwide, the cost per claim average from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 was $4,179 - up from $3,995 (2015-16). The fall mating season more than doubles the likelihood of collision with a large animal. The month when most U.S. drivers had collisions with a deer, elk, moose or caribou was November, followed by (in order) October and December.

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These wrecks typically end with an animal carcass and heavy damage to a vehicle. That damage costs a lot of money — likely the reason insurance companies blitz the airwaves with warnings about deer strikes this time of year.

Drivers in West Virginia, Montana or Pennsylvania are the most likely to collide with a deer on roads and highways, the study shows. West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the likelihood of having an insurance claim involving a deer. However, their one out of every 43 drivers statistic represents a 4.7 percent decrease from 2016.

Some tips to help keep drivers safe include:

• Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn.
• If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road.
• Pay attention to deer crossing signs.
• Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic.
• Brake if you can, but avoid swerving. This can result in a more severe crash.
• Remain focused on the road. Scan for hazards, including animals.
• Avoid distractions. Devices or eating might cause you to miss seeing an animal.

Image via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain