Deer Crashes In PA Among Highest In US As Peak Season Arrives

If you drive in Pennsylvania, you know there are deer everywhere. A new study backs up these observations: Pennsylvania as the third-most likely state in America where you'll hit a deer while driving, according to State Farm's annual deer-vehicle collision study.

Overall, American drivers were less likely — one in 167 — to experience a crash involving a deer, elk, moose or caribou. But in Pennsylvania, the numbers are not declining. Drivers here have a one in 63 chance of hitting a deer this year. That's the same odds as last year.

The only states where you're more likely to hit a deer is in West Virginia and Montana. In West Virginia, one in 46 drivers are involved in an insurance claim stemming from a deer crash. And in Montana, one in 57 drivers deal with this plight.

Here’s the list of the top 10 states where you're most likely to hit a deer:

1. West Virginia (one in 46)
2. Montana (one in 57)
3. Pennsylvania (one in 63)
4. Wisconsin (one in 72)
5. Iowa (one in 73)
6. South Dakota (one in 75)
7. Minnesota (one in 77)
8. Michigan (one in 80)
9. Wyoming (one in 88)
10. Mississippi (one in 91)

Hawaii was the lowest risk in the country, followed by California, Nevada, Arizona, District of Columbia and Florida.

November, October and December are the months where most animal-involved crashes occur, the company noted, particularly around dawn and dusk.

“Drivers should be engaged, alert and on the lookout at all times,” the study said. “You never know when you may need to react to a deer or other obstacle that may cross your travel path.”

The company also offered tips to avoid hitting deer, though they aren’t anything you shouldn’t already be doing.

• 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 further, 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 potential dangers, including animals.
• Avoid distractions. Devices or eating might cause you to miss seeing an animal.
• Do not rely on products such as deer whistles. They are not proven effective.
• If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear. Keep focus on the road ahead.

Since it's so common in Pennsylvania to hit a deer, you may be wondering if it's covered under your insurance policy.

Vehicle damage from an animal collision is covered under your auto policy's optional comprehensive coverage. This means that if you only have collision coverage or liability coverage, your insurance carrier likely doesn’t cover vehicle damage stemming from an animal collision. You'll need to contact your insurance carrier if you want to add comprehensive coverage to your policy.

When you file an accident claim that’s covered by your comprehensive coverage, you will still be on the hook to pay the deductible. Any costs after that — up to your policy limits — will be covered by the insurance company.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

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