News & Events

Deer-Vehicle Collisions Continue To Rise

"Every year thousands of deer are killed by motor vehicles as they move from their wintering yards. The impact on wildlife and the potential driving hazard to travelers is significant. Earlier this year on a filming trip in northern Ontario we encountered a deer recently hit and killed by a passing motorist. We loaded it into the Canada in the Rough trailer and checked it into the Minden, MNR office where Conservation Officer, Craig Smith (pictured) performed the appropriate paperwork and sent us on our way with some venison for family and friends"
- Thomas Pigeon, Host & Executive Producer.

The number of cars colliding with deer on America’s roads is continuing to increase as an estimated 10,000 more collisions occurred this year, according to recent State Farm Insurance Company figures. State Farm says its most recent claim data shows that deer-related vehicle collisions have risen approximately 6 percent since 2005.

State Farm policy holders were involved in 192,877 deer-related collisions compared to 182,458 from the previous year, based on estimated submitted claims. And from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, the average property damage cost as a result of those collisions was $2,800, which is an increase of $300 from 2005. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety there are an estimated 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions annually in the United States, causing more than 150 fatalities and $1.1 billion in property damage (emphasis added).

According to State Farm’s annual claim statistics, the states with the highest number of accidents involving deer between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006 were: 1. Pennsylvania 2. Michigan 3. Illinois 4. Ohio 5. Georgia 6. Virginia 7. Minnesota 8. Texas 9. Indiana 10. South Carolina.

- (Source: State Farm / NAHC)