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State Farm® just released our annual animal/deer collision research that may be of interest to your audience.
According to this latest analysis, Mississippi drivers rank 7th in the nation for likelihood of an animal collision. The research shows Mississippi drivers have a 1 in 57 chance of colliding with an animal while driving (the national average is 1 in 109.) Additionally, the analysis reveals there were over 36,000 animal collision claims for Mississippi from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The big picture for the insurance industry on a national level reveals an estimated 2.1 million animal collisions over those same months (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021).
Top 10 States for Likelihood of an Animal Collision
- West Virginia (1 in 37)
- Montana (1 in 39)
- South Dakota (1 in 48)
- Michigan (1 in 54)
- Pennsylvania (1 in 54)
- Wisconsin (1 in 56)
- Mississippi (1 in 57)
- Wyoming (1 in 58)
- Minnesota (1 in 58)
- Iowa (1 in 59)
Why are these stats important to Mississippi drivers? They help serve as a strong reminder to drivers to remain cautious and aware as we have entered the top three months for animal collisions. Most animal-related crashes in the U.S. occur from October to December. While most collisions are with deer, many other animals followed closely behind such as dogs, cats, farm animals, and rodents.
Animal Collision Avoidance and Safety Tips
- Slow down. Travel at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights.
- Use extra caution and slow-down in known animal crossing zones.
- 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 from an insurance perspective
- 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. If the collision results in injury or property damage, you may need to fill out an official report. This report may prove useful when filing your insurance claim.
- Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage. This could be important documentation for your insurance claim.
- Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazard. If your vehicle seems unsafe to drive, call for a tow. This could prevent further damage.
- Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim. Drivers are encouraged to speak with your insurance agent now about comprehensive coverage, which typically covers repairs for collisions with animals.
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
