PA Driver's Chance of Colliding With Deer is One in 86

For the third consecutive year, the number of deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. has dropped. And the downturn is accelerating. The percentage decline over the last year is nearly three times as large as during the previous two years.

Using its claims data, State Farm estimates 1.09 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the U.S. between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. That’s 9 percent less than three years ago and 7 percent fewer than one year.

But Pennsylvania drivers take note: The state ranks fourth in the country when it comes to the likelihood of a driver to hit a deer—a one in 86 chance.

Here’s information that could help you prevent a collision:

When do deer-vehicle collisions occur?

• State Farm’s data shows that November—the heart of the deer migration and mating season—is the month during which deer-vehicle encounters are most likely. More than 18 percent of all such mishaps take place during the 30 days of November.

• A collision between a deer and a vehicle will occur once every five seconds in the United States in November—roughly equivalent to the time it took you to read this sentence.

• Deer-vehicle collisions are three times more likely to occur on a day in November than they are on any day between Feb. 1 and Aug. 31. October is the second-most likely month for a crash involving a deer and a vehicle. December is third.

•  The average property damage cost of these incidents during the final half of 2010 and the first half of 2011 was $3,171—up 2.2 percent from the year before.

How to avoid collisions with deer

• Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer-crossing areas.

• Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.

• Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.

• Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds—if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.

• Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.

• If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Have you ever had an accident with a deer? Tell us in the comments.

This article originally appeared on Canon-McMillan Patch.