Virginia Car-Deer Crashes Increase, Among Worst States In Nation

RICHMOND, VA — More drivers are hitting deer and other large animals on Virginia roadways. It's part of a national trend, and the odds more than double from October through December, when the deer mating season is under way. The cost of a crash between a deer and a deer can be deadly, along with hefty insurance claims.

An estimated 1 in every 94 drivers in Virginia struck a large animal between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, according to an annual State Farm study. Drivers in West Virginia, Montana or Pennsylvania are the most likely to collided with a deer on roads and highways. Sadly, Virginia drivers moved up from the No. 13 slot a year ago to No. 11 this year.

Maryland is ranked No. 19, up six slots, and Washington, D.C., is ranked 46, the same as last year. See the full list of states below. (Subscribe to a Virginia Patch News Alert and Newsletter. For DC readers, Get Patch’s daily newsletter and news alerts. Or like us on Facebook. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The annual State Farm deer claim study helps define that danger for drivers. It ranks states by the potential likelihood a driver has of hitting a large animal, like deer, elk, moose or caribou. These wrecks typically end with an animal carcass and heavy damage to a vehicle. That damage costs a lot of money — likely the reason insurance companies blitz the airwaves with warnings about deer strikes this time of year.

The fall mating season more than doubles the likelihood of collision with a large animal. Whether you hit a large animal, or it jumps into the side of your vehicle, such collisions can cause significant injuries and property damage.

Some tips to help keep drivers safe include:

• 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. This can result in a more severe crash.
• Remain focused on the road. Scan for hazards, including animals.
• Avoid distractions. Devices or eating might cause you to miss seeing an animal.
• If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear. Keep focus on the road ahead.

For drivers this time of year, here are 5 tips from the State of Virginia:

1. When driving, particularly at night (from dusk to dawn) slow down and be attentive. If you see one deer, likely there will be others. If one deer crosses the road as you approach, others may follow.
2. Deer habitually travel the same areas; therefore deer crossing signs have been installed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Use caution when you see these signs.
3. Drivers should apply brakes, even stop if necessary, to avoid hitting a deer, but should never swerve out of the lane to miss a deer. A collision with another vehicle, tree or other object is likely to be more serious than hitting a deer.
4. Rely on your caution and your own senses, not deer whistles you can buy for your car. These devices have not been shown to be effective.
5. Any person involved in a collision with a deer or bear while driving a motor vehicle, thereby killing the animal, should immediately report the accident to a Conservation Police Officer or other law enforcement officer in the county or city where the accident occurred.

Image via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain; state ranking of deer collisions courtesy of State Farm