Deer and animal crashes: how to avoid them and what to do after
When animal crashes peak, why swerving is risky and the steps to take after impact
Hitting a deer is one of the most common crashes in rural America. It happens fast, often in the dark, and usually on a road the driver knows well. Most of these crashes damage cars, not people. But some turn deadly, especially when a driver swerves into a tree or oncoming traffic, or when the driver is on a motorcycle.
In 2024, 210 people died in crashes with animals, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [2]. Rural roads are risky in general. They carry about 31 percent of the nation’s driving but saw 41 percent of traffic deaths in 2024 [3]. This guide covers when the risk is highest, how to react and what to do after.
How common animal crashes are
State Farm estimates there were more than 1.6 million animal collision insurance claims across the industry from July 2025 to June 2026 [1]. That works out to odds of about 1 in 145 for the average U.S. driver [1].
The odds are much higher in some states:
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
States where drivers are most likely to hit an animal (July 2025 to June 2026)
| State | Odds for a driver in one year |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | 1 in 46 |
| Montana | 1 in 54 |
| Wisconsin | 1 in 62 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 in 64 |
| Michigan | 1 in 68 |
| United States average | 1 in 145 |
Source: State Farm industry estimates [1]. Figures are insurance claim estimates, not police reports.
Deer are by far the most common animal struck [1]. Drivers also hit dogs, raccoons, cattle, coyotes, turkeys, hogs and bears.
When the danger is highest
Time of day. Deer are most active around sunrise and sunset. That is also when light is poor and drivers have trouble seeing.
Time of year. Claims rise in the fall, when deer breed and move more [1]. October through December is the peak season in many states. Daylight saving time ends in early November. Suddenly the evening commute happens in the dark, just as deer are most active.
Deaths follow a different pattern. In 2024, the most deaths in animal crashes happened from July through September [2]. A likely reason is that more people ride motorcycles in warm months. A rider who hits a deer is far more likely to be killed than someone inside a car.
How to lower your risk
- Slow down on rural roads at dawn, dusk and night. A few extra seconds of stopping time can prevent a crash.
- Use high beams when no cars are coming. They light up eyes along the roadside sooner.
- Scan the shoulders, not just the road ahead. Look for the shine of eyes.
- Respect deer crossing signs. They mark places where many crashes have happened.
- Expect a group. Deer often travel together. If one crosses, slow down and wait for others.
- Buckle up every trip. Belts protect you if the car leaves the road.
- Ride with extra care on a motorcycle in deer country. Slow down at night and wear full protective gear.
If a deer steps in front of you
1. Brake firmly and steadily.
2. Hold the steering wheel straight and stay in your lane.
3. Do not swerve. Swerving can send you into a tree, a ditch or oncoming traffic. Those crashes are often far worse than hitting the deer.
4. If a crash cannot be avoided, keep braking until you stop.
5. Lean on the horn with one long blast. It may move the deer, though there is no guarantee.
Large animals like moose and elk are different. They are tall, so a car can knock their legs out and the body can come through the windshield. In moose country, slow down even more at night.
What to do after you hit an animal
Get safe first. Pull onto the shoulder if you can. Turn on your hazard lights. If the car will not move, stay buckled in and call 911.
Stay away from the animal. An injured deer can kick hard and cause serious injuries. Do not try to move it or help it. Tell police where it is.
Call the police. Many states require a report when there is injury or major damage. A police report also helps with your insurance claim.
Check your car before driving. Look for leaking fluid, broken lights, a loose hood or damage to the tires. If anything looks wrong, call a tow truck.
Take photos. Photograph the car, the scene and the animal if it is safe.
Call your insurer. Animal strikes are usually covered under the comprehensive part of an auto policy, not the collision part. Ask your agent how your policy works.
Warning: If you or a passenger hit your head, feel pain or seem confused after the crash, call 911. Some injuries do not show up right away.
Checklist: deer season driving
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- I slow down on rural roads at dawn and dusk
- I use high beams when no one is coming
- I watch for a second and third deer after the first
- I know to brake, not swerve
- My headlights are clean and aimed right
- I know what my insurance covers for animal strikes
- I keep a flashlight and a reflective triangle in the car
Frequently asked questions
Should I swerve to miss a deer?
No. Brake hard and stay in your lane. Swerving often causes a worse crash with a tree, a ditch or another car.
Do I have to report hitting a deer?
Rules differ by state. Many require a report if someone is hurt or damage is above a set amount. Calling police is a good idea either way, because it creates a record for insurance.
Can I keep the deer?
Some states allow it with a permit from the wildlife agency. Others do not. Call your state wildlife agency before you take anything.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1State Farm, as reported by Carrier Management. “Animal collision claims, July 2025 to June 2026.” 2026. carriermanagement.com/…/292333.htm
- 2Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2024: Collisions with fixed objects and animals.” iihs.org/…/collisions-with-fixed-objec…
- 3National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Traffic Safety Facts 2024 Data: Rural/Urban Traffic Fatalities” (DOT HS 813 828). rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/92636
This article reflects the safety priorities of rural road safety and crash prevention. It is general education, not legal or insurance advice. Check official sources in your state for current rules. Reviewed November 2026.
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