Colliding with an Animal in Florida. What are the odds?

The likelihood of colliding with an animal in Florida is 1 in 409. Your odds are better of marrying a millionaire 1 in 215 or being audited by the IRS, 1 in 175, than being involved in a vehicle collision with an animal.

We’re entering the prime season for animal collisions. According to a new State Farm study, most animal related crashes in the U.S. occur from October to December. While most collisions are with deer; dogs, cats and rats resulted in accidents too!

Here is a recap of the State Farm study:

• There were over 1.9 million animal collision claims this past year.
• U.S. Drivers have a 1 in 116 chance of hitting an animal while driving. The likelihood more than doubles during October, November and December, when collisions are most prevalent.
• 58% (1.1 million claims) of collisions are with deer; unknown animals 27% (523,019); 4.4% (523,000) with dogs, 1% (12,574) cats, and people even collide with rats (10,868 claims).
• There is 1 in 409 chances of striking an animal in Florida. Our state is one of the safest places in the nation for animals not to be struck by a vehicle. Ranked 46 out of 50 states.
• West Virginia tops the list of states where an animal collision is most likely.
• Hawaii rounds out the bottom of the list.

Top 5 Risk States:

1. West Virginia
2. Montana
3. Pennsylvania
4. South Dakota
5. Iowa

Here are some Animal Collision Safety Tips:

• Use extra caution and slow-down in known animal crossing zones.
• Slow down. Reduce your vehicle's speed and maintain a constant lookout for animals. Travel at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights
• Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate.
• Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see an animal. Brake firmly when you notice an animal in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Safety belts saved an estimated 114,955 lives in 2017.

After-crash tips:

• Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
• Call police: If an animal is blocking traffic and could be create a threat for other drivers.
• Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage.
• Stay away from the animal: A frightened, wounded animal could use its legs and hooves to harm you. Do not attempt to move an animal.
• Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazard.
• Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim.