It’s important for everyone to drive safely. Sometimes, animals run onto the road. This can cause car accidents, which we call **animal collisions**. State Farm, a big car insurance company, just shared its new list. It shows the states where drivers are most likely to hit an animal this year and next.
Worst States for Animal Collisions in 2024-2025
Driving can be tricky, especially when animals are nearby. State Farm looked at many car accidents. They found out which states have the most car crashes with animals. This helps drivers know where to be extra careful. The report covers the time from July 2023 to June 2024. It predicts what will happen in 2024 and 2025.
Here are the states where you have the highest chance of hitting an animal:
- West Virginia: Drivers here have a 1 in 38 chance. That means if 38 cars drive, one might hit an animal.
- Montana: The chance is 1 in 43.
- South Dakota: Here, it’s 1 in 48.
- Michigan: Drivers have a 1 in 54 chance.
- Wisconsin: The chance is 1 in 57.
Other states also have many animal crashes. These include Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Iowa, North Dakota, and Ohio. Many of these states have lots of wild animals, like deer. Deer are involved in most of these types of accidents.
Why More Animal Collisions Happen in Some States
There are good reasons why some states see more **wildlife accidents**. Many of these states have big forests and open spaces. This is where lots of deer and other animals live. When roads cut through these areas, animals often cross.
The time of year also matters a lot. Fall is a very busy time for deer. They move around more to find food and for breeding. This means October, November, and December are the months with the most **deer collision risks**. Drivers need to be extra careful then.
The time of day is important too. Animals are most active when the sun is coming up or going down. This means driving during dawn (early morning) and dusk (evening) can be riskier. Your car lights might not help you see them clearly in the dim light. You might not have much time to stop. For more on how animals and cars interact, you can read about deer-vehicle collisions.
Keeping Safe from Animal Collisions on the Road
No one wants to hit an animal with their car. It can be scary and hurt both the animal and your car. Luckily, there are many ways to drive safer. These tips can help you avoid **car accidents with animals**.
Here are some simple things you can do:
- Slow Down: Driving slower gives you more time to see animals. It also gives you more time to stop your car safely.
- Look Carefully: Always scan the sides of the road. Animals can dart out very quickly. If you see one animal, there might be more nearby.
- Use High Beams: When it’s dark and there are no other cars around, use your high beam lights. They help you see farther down the road. This can show you animals sooner.
- Watch for Signs: Look for yellow signs that show a deer or other animal. These signs warn you that animals often cross there.
- Stay in Your Lane: If an animal jumps out, try to brake firmly. But don’t swerve your car sharply. Swerving can make you hit another car or a tree, which can be much worse. It’s usually safer to stay in your lane and brake hard.
It is always good to be prepared. Think about what you would do if an animal suddenly appeared. Being ready can help you react better. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also offers general road safety tips that apply to many situations.
What to Do If You Hit an Animal
Even with all your care, an accident can happen. If you hit an animal:
- First, try to move your car to a safe spot. Pull over to the side of the road if you can.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- If you think the animal is hurt or big, call the police. They can help.
- Never try to get close to an injured animal. It might be scared and could hurt you.
- Call your car insurance company to tell them what happened.
Understanding Car Insurance for Animal Accidents
When a car accident happens, car insurance helps. If you have “comprehensive coverage” on your car insurance, it usually helps pay for damage caused by hitting an animal. This part of your insurance is for things like theft, storms, or hitting a deer. It’s different from insurance that covers damage if you hit another car.
This means if you live in one of the **worst states for animal collisions**, having comprehensive coverage is a very smart idea. It can save you a lot of money if an animal accident damages your car. Talking to your insurance agent can help you understand what your policy covers.
Staying safe on the road is a job for everyone. By knowing where and when animal collisions are most likely, drivers can be better prepared. This helps keep both people and animals safer.
