Oh, Deer: Four-Legged Foes Put Iowa Drivers Fourth In Nation For Likelihood Of Large-Animal Collisions

DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa ranked in the top tier of another national list, but this is one we probably wish we weren't on: The state is listed fourth nationwide for the likelihood that drivers will hit a deer, with a 1-in-69 chance of a collision, according to State Farm insurance.

The sliver of good news is that the state held its position from last year, while the probability of a collision has decreased slightly from the 1-in-68 chance listed on the 2015-16 report.

The 15th annual State Farm deer claim study used claims data and state licensed driver records to calculate the likelihood that a driver could strike a deer -- or in some states an elk, moose or caribou. Iowa was the most likely Midwestern state to have a large-animal collision, according to the study that looked at claims information filed in a one-year period ending on June 30.

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West Virginia took the top spot for the second year with a 1-in-43 chance a driver will hit a deer. In second place was Montana with a 1-in-57 chance, while Pennsylvania ranked third at 1-in-63. State Farm, America's largest auto insurance company, said the top 10 states remain fairly consistent with each study. The rest of the states on the list this year, ranking from fifth to tenth places, were Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Michigan and North Dakota.

Nationally, the average cost of an insurance claim for a vehicle/deer collision has increased to $4,179 from $3,995 a year earlier.

The State Farm report is issued each fall in part to alert drivers of some of the busiest months for large-animal collisions. Deer mate in the fall and move more during that time, so October through December are particularly dangerous months. And it isn't always possible to avoid a collision, since deer can step directly into a vehicle's path or dart across a roadway from the cover of trees or bushes.

In Bremer County in northeast Iowa last week, two vehicles were involved in accidents at the same time when three or four deer stepped onto a highway at the same time, the Bremer County Sheriff's Office reported. One driver received minor injuries and the other was uninjured, but a photo of a buck landing in the car shows how significant the impact -- and resulting damage -- can be.

State Farm said the best precaution drivers can take is to remain alert and focused, with your eyes up and scanning the road, so you can quickly take action if a deer steps into your path. Other tips from the company:

• Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn when deer are likely to be on the move.
• If you see one deer, there likely are more in the area, so be prepared for one to cross the road.
• Take note of deer crossing signs.
• Always buckle up -- every trip, every time.
• Use your high beams when safe to get a look farther down the road.
• Brake if you can, but don't swerve to avoid a deer strike; it could cause more damage or put you into the path of another vehicle.
• Avoid distractions such as devices or eating.
• 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.

Photo via Pixabay