Pennsylvania ranks top 5 in states for animal collisions

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — As the sun starts to set sooner and deer season approaches, drivers in Pennsylvania might not be surprised to learn how often animal collisions happen.

Oh, deer! Picture this, you’re driving down the road at twilight (the time between sunset and dusk) and a deer runs out onto the road and into your vehicle. While in a situation like that, you may be inclined to think “This only happens to me,” however, in Pa., it actually happens to one in every 61 drivers.

According to State Farm , Pennsylvania ranks fourth on the “Top 10 states for animal collisions,” with deer being the number one animal involved in a collision. The Commonwealth had the highest number of claims out of all of the states, with more than 150,000 claims.

Michigan, which placed third on the overall list, placed second in terms of highest claims counts with approximately 131,000.

How to avoid/handle an animal collision:

• Slow down, especially if you see an animal close to the road. Speed is the greatest safety factor in the magnitude if damage and physical injury
• Stay alert. Scan the road for animals at any time of the day or night
• Pay attention to “deer crossing” and other animal signs
• Reduce distractions. Put the cell phone away
• Brake, as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other drivers
• Don’t swerve. If a crash with an animal is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don’t veer off the road
• Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on wildlife may cause the animal to scurry away
• Be aware of peak season. Animal crashes, especially deer, happen most often during October through December, which is hunting and mating season
• Watch for animals on the road between dusk and dawn
• Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby

If you do hit an animal though, don’t panic! Take a deep breath, check on your passengers and call 911 if the animal is large and still there after you hit it. Next, State Farm recommends checking to see if your vehicle is drivable. When safe to do so, take pictures and, if needed, you can file a claim in multiple ways.

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