Where You Are More Likely to Run Into a Deer
Author: Auger Law | November 30th, 2016
Deer versus vehicle accidents can cause major damage, not to mention terrible injuries. People in states with heavy deer populations know to watch out for these beautiful creatures, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. While some people can go their lives without ever seeing a deer cross the road, many are not as lucky.
As the holiday road-trip season approaches, people will be heading out by the thousands. It’s “over the woods and to grandmother’s house we go.” Unfortunately for some, the trip won’t be as uneventful as planned. Hitting a deer with your vehicle can put a serious damper on your holiday festivities. Here are the 10 states, in no particular order, where you are most likely to find a deer crossing your path.
1. Mississippi
There are close to 2 million white-tailed deer in the state by estimates. That means that drivers are highly likely to run into one of these animals. The odds of hitting a deer in the state of Mississippi are approximately 1 in 8.
2. Michigan
You stand a 1 in 85 chance of hitting a deer with your car if you travel through Michigan. According to AAA, the average number of vehicle versus deer collisions in the state totals 185 per day.
3. Wyoming
Deer versus vehicle crashes have climbed by more than 17 percent in recent years. It’s not only white-tailed deer that drivers need to keep their eyes open for. If you drive through Wyoming, watch out for mule deer and antelope.
4. Minnesota
The state estimates that there are approximately a million deer on the move within its borders. Deer can be found in every county in the state. Keep your eyes peeled.
5. Wisconsin
There were close to 20,000 vehicle versus deer accidents in the state last year. In fact, there are so many of these accidents that they account for approximately 16 percent of all crashes in the state.
6. South Dakota
Your chances of hitting a deer in South Dakota rise every year. The state’s population of deer continue to grow.
7. Iowa
Deer love the cornfields of the Midwest, and Iowa is no exception. Even after hunting season, there are still approximately 400,000 left. Drive through the state with your eyes wide open.
8. Pennsylvania
Six people were killed last year in vehicle versus deer accidents. Chances of hitting a deer in the Keystone State is approximately 1 in 67. Keep in mind that deer accidents most typically occur during times of low light.
9. Montana
Chances of hitting a deer with your vehicle in Montana are fairly high. Accidents are up about 19 percent when compared to previous years.
10. West Virginia
If you drive through this rural and winding state, watch out for deer around every turn. You have a 1 in 41 chance of striking a deer driving through West Virginia.
Though not in the top 10, you still have a good chance of hitting a deer in North Carolina, especially on the country back roads. If you are involved in a car accident in Charlotte, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage. Call our office today for more information about our firm and to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. Let us put our knowledge of accident law to work for you.
