How to Avoid Car Vs. Deer Crashes This Fall

As the weather turns comfy and we sip our pumpkin spice drinks, deer are on the move across Maryland, upping the chances that drivers will crash into the animals on roads.

The odds of a U.S. driver colliding with a deer doubles in October through December. In Maryland, which ranked 25th among the states for the number of car vs. deer crashes, the odds are one in 139 that you’ll have an unfortunate encounter with deer on the road, says State Farm insurance. That’s a decrease of 3.6 percent from the previous year.

“Deer activity will peak during their breeding season, which occurs from mid-October through November,” says Paul Peditto with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “Deer often travel without regard for roads or traffic during this time period. Motorists need to be especially alert from sunset to dawn as deer are more active during this time.”

The top five states nationwide where a driver is most likely to have a collision are, in order, West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, Iowa and South Dakota, according to State Farm.

Hawaii doesn't see many big-animal strikes, with only one in every 18,955 drivers hitting a deer.

Only 11 states saw a decrease in deer strikes, according to State Farm's numbers. The biggest increase for the 2015-16 period: Washington, D.C., saw deer strikes jump 50 percent.

You can see the state-by-state data in the interactive map.

The cost on average for striking a deer? For each accident, the claim is $3,995, which is down slightly from $4,135 in 2014-2015, according to claim data analyzed by State Farm.

State wildlife and insurance experts warn drivers to stay alert for deer and other wildlife this time of year as these animals seek out food supplies and mates.

Drivers are reminded to:

• 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.
• Always buckle up, every trip, every time.
• Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic.
• Brake if you can, but avoid swerving, which could result in a more severe crash.
• Remain focused on the road, scanning for hazards, including animals.
• Avoid distractions, like devices or eating, which might cause you to miss seeing an animal.
• Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, which are not proven effective.
• If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear and keep focus on the road ahead.
• Watch the shoulder. Be alert for deer standing along the shoulder as they may suddenly move into the roadway. Slow down and sound your horn to scare them away.

So I Hit A Deer; Now What?

State Farm gives six steps to take if you do end up hitting a deer:
1. Move your vehicle to a safe place: Get it off the road, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Call the police: They can make sure traffic gets stopped, if needed, and take down information for your insurance claim.
3. Document the incident: Take photos of everything — the deer, your car, any injuries to you or your passengers. You should also get contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash.
4. Don’t touch the animal: It could be carrying disease, or if it’s still alive, it could get scared and hurt you.
5. Contact your insurance agent: Get the claims process going ASAP.
6. Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Check it for fluid leaks, tire damage, broken lights or anything else that may have gone wrong during the crash. If you have any doubts, call a tow truck.

»Image from Maryland Department of Natural Resources, public domain