COLUMBUS, Ind. — Data from State Farm Insurance shows Indiana ranks 23rd in the nation for car/deer collisions.
Compared to 2015, Hoosier motorists are 5 percent more likely to hit a deer in 2016 than they were last year. The national cost-per-claim average is $3,995, down from $4,135 last year. In order, the months most likely for collisions to occur are November, October and December.
State Farm Insurance offers these tips to help avoid a car/deer collision:
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs
- Always buckle up, every trip, every time
- Use your high beams, when possible, to see farther
- Brake if you can, but avoid swerving, which could result in a more severe crash
- Remain focused on the road, scanning for hazards, including animals
- Avoid distractions, like devices or eating, which might cause you to miss seeing an animal
- Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, which are not proven effective
- If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear and keep focus on the road ahead
And here are some deer facts that all drivers should know:
- Deer are on all roads
- Deer are unpredictable
- Deer often move in groups
- Deer movement is most prevalent in the fall
- Dusk to dawn are high risk times