An annual analysis by insurance giant State Farm ranks Montana second in the nation for being most likely to collide with deer.
According to the company, Montana saw a 1.3 percent increase in the number of collisions over the previous year.
Between July of 2017 and June of 2018, Montana saw more than 14,000 claims.
Based on the number of licensed drivers in the state, one in 57 will hit a deer.
Drivers are urged to be alert especially during deer mating season in the fall, and at dawn and dusk when deer are active.
The only state that ranked higher than Montana was West Virginia.
– Estimated Claim Count 2017-18: 14,098
– Estimated Claim Count 2016-17: 13,640
– 1.3% Increase in Claims
– Licensed Drivers in MT: 797,145
– Likelihood of Deer Collision: 1 in 57
- Stay alert and keep your eyes up. Pay attention to “deer crossing” signs. Scan down the road and off to each side. Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water. If you see one deer, there are probably others nearby.
- Be especially vigilant during peak season. Collisions can happen any time of year, but fall is peak time for crashes because it’s both hunting and mating seasons, forcing deer to roam outside their normal territory.
- Watch out at mealtime. Between dusk and dawn animals usually venture out to eat.
- If you hit a deer move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, then position yourself and any other people involved in the crash in a safe location until help arrives.
- Never approach an injured animal. A hurt, scared animal poses serious threats to people. Only those with special training should attempt to help. Do not take the animal home or try and dispose of it yourself. In some states you may obtain a road kill possession and/or salvage permit. Know the laws in your state. Most often you can find these with the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Natural Resources.
