We’ve written about it before: car-deer collisions and how their number increases this time of the year. Well, State Farm Insurance has done a study and calculated that the odds of being involved in such an accident in Georgia is 1-in-109.
And while they didn’t break it down county-by-county, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has responded to at least 24 such accidents since Nov. 1 as of today. And that does not include any that may have been investigated by other law enforcement agencies in the county or gone unreported.
What else does the State Farm study say?
New data shows U.S. drivers on the average have a 1 in 139 chance of a collision with an animal, according to the State Farm® annual analysis. The company estimates there were over 1.7 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
Where are animal collisions most likely?
The top 10 states for animal collision, with their odds for an animal collision, are:
- West Virginia – 1 in 40
- Montana – 1 in 53
- Wisconsin – 1 in 58
- Michigan – 1 in 61
- Pennsylvania – 1 in 62
- South Dakota – 1 in 73
- Iowa – 1 in 76
- Mississippi – 1 in 77
- Wyoming – 1 in 82
- Virginia – 1 in 82
The months drivers are most likely to collide with a large animal in the U.S. are (in order) November, October and December.
The growing deer and other animal populations, combined with the displacement of animal habitats, are making it more dangerous on the road, and making driver crashes more likely. There may be no real way to keep animals off the road, but these important safety tips can help prevent animal strikes.
Tips to avoid animals on the road
- Stay alert. Pay attention to “deer crossing” and “wildlife crossing” signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.
- Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on an animal in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.
- Don’t swerve. If a car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and stay on the road.
- Brake, as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.
- Remember peak season. Animal collisions happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
- Remember mealtime. Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.
- Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.
- Don’t use a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.
- Wear seat belts. Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.