Each year, an estimated 1.5 million vehicle-deer collisions take place across the United States, with more than 150 motorists being killed and another 13,000 injured. The migrating and mating season for deer across North America usually runs from October through December.
Deer-vehicle collisions result in more than $1.1 billion in vehicle damage per year. On average, a collision with a deer results in a repair claim of $2,000, according to online auto insurer, Esurance.
Despite the fact that these collisions are responsible for the deaths of an estimated 350,000 deer every year, the deer population is growing exponentially. Urban sprawl also contributes to the problem, as deer seeking mates and fleeing hunters often wander onto busy roads.
The states with the highest number of accidents involving deer between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005, were Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, Indiana, Texas, and Wisconsin.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.