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NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Pennsylvania ranks first among the top ten worst
states for vehicle-deer collisions, according to an insurance survey
published Thursday.
Citing claim statistics, auto insurer State Farm said that drivers in
Pennsylvania experienced more deer collisions than any other state
between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005.
State Farm estimates that 1.5 million vehicles collide with deer every
year, resulting in 150 motorists deaths and $1.1 billion in vehicle
damages.
With deer migrating and mating season occurring between October and
December, the auto insurer says a higher number of deer are near roads
this time of year.
Coming in second and third were Michigan and Illinois, followed by Ohio
and Georgia. Minnesota and Virginia ranked sixth and seventh
respectively, while Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin rounded out the list
at eighth, ninth and tenth.
The insurance company said it based its rankings on the total number of
deer-accident claims filed with State Farm and did not adjust for
population.
The auto insurer says that attentive driving is still the best
deterrent for such accidents.
In order to avoid such collisions, State Farm says drivers should use
their high-beam headlights as much as possible to illuminate deer
hiding on the side of the road and to not rely on car-mounted 'deer
whistles,' which studies show not to affect the animal.
If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, according to the company, it
is best not to swerve, which could increase the risk of injury and
could cause you to lose control of your car.
