LOOK OUT! Deer Damage can be Costly!

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In many U.S. states, drivers are all too familiar with deer crossing signs, but do they really know how close the danger may be? State Farm has released its annual deer claim study, which ranks states by the potential drivers had of hitting a large animal, including deer, elk and moose over a given time period. On average, one of every 41  West Virginia drivers will have an insurance claim for damage caused by a collision with a deer in 2016.

The top five states a driver was most likely to have a claim from a collision with a deer, elk or moose in the 2015-2016 study are:

Pennsylvania and Iowa have switched positions on the top ten list of states where drivers were more likely to collide with a deer, while Wyoming moved into the top ten at number eight. South Carolina is no longer in the top ten and thirteen states had no change in ranking.

The likelihood of colliding with a large animal more than doubles during the months of October, November and December, during deer mating season. Whether you hit a large animal or it jumps into the side of your vehicle, such collisions can cause significant injuries and property damage. No matter where you live, it's important to keep your eyes up and focus on the road, helping you take action in the event a large animal is suddenly in your path. Some other tips to help keep drivers safe include:

• Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn
• If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road
• Pay attention to deer crossing signs
• Always buckle up, every trip, every time
• Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic
• 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

"We know there is an increased risk of collision with deer around dawn and dusk, and also during the October-December breeding season," said Chris Mullen, Director of Technology Research at State Farm. "However, drivers should be engaged, alert and on the lookout at all times, because you never know when you may need to react to a deer or any other obstacle that may suddenly be in your path."

More 2016 State Farm deer collisions facts:

The national average cost per claim for 2015-2016 was $3,995.08, down just slightly from $4,135 in 2014-2015.  

The months when most drivers experienced collisions with a deer, elk or moose in the U.S., mostly due to deer mating season, were:

1. November
2. October
3. December

For more information and media resources visit http://st8.fm/16deer.

Methodology:
Using its claims data and state licensed driver counts from the Federal Highway Administration, State Farm, the nation's leading auto insurer, calculates the chances of any single American motorist striking a deer, elk or moose during the time frame of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The data has been projected for the insurance industry as a whole, based on the State Farm personal vehicle market penetration within each state. The State Farm data is based on comprehensive and collision claims only. Claims involving policyholders with liability insurance coverage only are not included.

About State Farm®:
The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto, home and individual life insurance in the United States. Its 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve more than 83 million policies and accounts – nearly 81 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 35 on the 2016 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

Contact
Missy Dundov
(309) 766-7087
[email protected]

SOURCE State Farm

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