Avoiding Deer and Other Animals While Driving

November 7, 2024

The Highway Loss Data Institute reports collisions with animals are more than twice as frequent as the yearly average during November when big bucks are searching for a mate.1 Often, they wander onto streets and highways in search of food, water, and shelter, either alone or in groups.

In the U.S., there are over 2 million vehicle collisions with deer each year, resulting in more than $10 billion in economic losses.2 That statistic does not account for other wildlife or domestic pets. Following are some suggestions for protecting yourself and wildlife from vehicle collisions.

Increase Your Awareness of Animals on the Roadway

  • During dawn, dusk, and shortly after dark, watch for increased animal activity.
  • Use extreme caution on two-lane roads which border woods, fields, or water sources.
  • Visually scan roadway edges for any animals.
  • Assume the animal has friends following them, as deer often travel in groups.
  • Be 100% focused and engaged in driving. NO distractions.

How to Decrease the Chance of Hitting a Deer with Your Vehicle

  • Use high beams if driving in low lit areas when there is no oncoming traffic.
  • Consider upgrading headlamps with LED or HID bulbs that produce a brighter light and visual field.
  • Buckle up. Data suggests wearing a lap and shoulder belt can decrease the risk of fatal injuries by 45% or more, depending on the vehicle.3
  • Obey speed limits. Driving too fast limits your reaction time significantly.
  • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances.
  • Wear proper glasses if you have any vision impairments, especially at night.
  • One long blast from a car horn is the best defense if an animal is attempting to enter the roadway.

Do Deer Whistles Work to Prevent Crashes?

While deer whistles are marketed to work, there is little to no evidence that they help reduce deer-related collisions. However, many people install them on vehicles due to the low cost and perceived benefits, but do they work?

A study by Iowa State University found that deer whistles may not provide any benefit at all.4 In fact, the study summarized that adding a deer whistle to a vehicle could potentially cause a driver to reduce other, more effective, strategies for avoiding collisions with deer. When it comes down to it, your best bet to avoid hitting a deer is to stay alert, use caution, and obey speed limits when driving in peak deer migration times.

What to Do if You Hit a Deer with Your Car

  • Initiate hazard lights or emergency road flares.
  • Contact local police on a non-emergency line to provide location of accident.
  • Do not move animal without proper protection and training.

Which States Have the Most Deer Collisions in the Fall?

According to data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, the states with the highest frequency of deer-related strike claims in November1 include:

  • West Virginia
  • Iowa
  • South Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Kentucky
  • Montana
  • Arkansas
  • Wisconsin
  • Michigan
  • North Dakota

For additional resources, visit our website at phmic.com or contact our member services department at 800.247.5930 ext.4050.

References

[1] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute. https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/dip-in-deer-strikes-poses-a-mystery-for-insurers-ahead-of-peak-season

[2] Current Biology. https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(22)01615-3

[3] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/topics/seat-belts

[4] Iowa State University. https://intrans.iastate.edu/app/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/CMToolboxWhistles.pdf