N.D. – It’s Fall and that means it’s prime season for animal collisions for drivers.
According to a new State Farm® study, most animal-related crashes in the U.S. occur from October to December. While most collisions are with deer (67%), many other animals followed closely behind such as dogs, cats, and farm animals.
North Dakota drivers rank 13th in nation for reported industry claims involving an animal in just one year. North Dakota drivers have a 1 in 73 chance of colliding with an animal while driving. Nationally, the month of March saw a 20% decrease in reported industry claims due to less drivers on the road.
Top 10 Risk States:
West Virginia
Montana
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Michigan
Wisconsin
Iowa
Mississippi
Minnesota
Wyoming
The month of March saw a 20% decrease (more than 70,000 less industry claims reported compared to March of 2019) in animal collisions due to less drivers being on the road.
Deer remain largely the most reported animal at 67% of all reported animal claims (1.5 million reported claims were deer)
There were nearly 2 million animal collision claims reported this past year from July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020.
U.S. Drivers have a 1 in 116 chance of hitting an animal while driving. The likelihood more than doubles during October, November and December, when collisions are most prevalent.
Animal Collision Safety Tips:
-Use extra caution and slow-down in known animal crossing zones.
-Slow down. Reduce your vehicle’s speed and maintain a constant lookout for animals. Travel at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights
-Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate.
-Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see an animal. Brake firmly when you notice an animal in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
-Always wear your seatbelt.
After-crash tips:
-Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
-Call police: If an animal is blocking traffic and could be create a threat for other drivers.
-Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage.
-Stay away from the animal: A frightened, wounded animal could use its legs and hooves to harm you.
-Do not attempt to move an animal.
-Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazard.
-Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim.
