Drivers Should Look Out for Deer on Roads This Time of Year

Maryland drivers have a one in 110 chance of hitting a deer, and if such a collision does occur, it is most likely to be in November.

According to the insurance company, State Farm, between July of 2020 and June of 2021, a vehicle collision involving a deer occurred 2.1 million times in the United States, which is a 7.2% increase from the previous year. These crashes occur most frequently in November, October and then December.

Collisions involving deer happen most often in Pennsylvania, where drivers have a one in 54 chance of hitting a deer. From July of 2020 to June 2021, 166,404 such collisions occurred in Pennsylvania. Maryland is considered a medium risk state.

Speeding, which increased during the pandemic, may be a leading cause of the increase, according to State Farm.

The company suggests ways to avoid hitting a deer, including putting the cell phone away, staying alert, slowing down and paying more attention during October through November and when driving by deer crossing signs. Deer are more likely to be around between dusk and dawn and rarely are alone.

Flicking the car’s high beam lights at a deer may cause the animal to run away, the insurance company noted.

If involved in a collision with a deer, “brake as necessary, maintain control of your vehicle and don’t veer off the road,” State Farm recommends.

U.S. drivers on average have a 1 in 116 chance of colliding with an animal. Follow these tips to help increase your safety on the road. #GoodNeighbor https://t.co/IinDBRf24t

— State Farm (@StateFarm) October 12, 2021