What's the biggest potential hazard for drivers this fall?
Here's a hint: It doesn't involve four wheels, but it does involve four legs.
More than one third (36 percent) of all auto claims that result from animal collisions occur on American highways between September and November, according to Farmers Insurance's "Seasonal Smarts Digest."
Compared to the summer months (June through August), animal collisions increase by 67 percent during the fall because of animal migration patterns, especially for deer and elk, Farmers says.
Multiple-vehicle collisions also are a high risk during the fall, coming in at 33 percent of all auto claims. In addition, these collisions occur 46 percent more often from September through November, compared to the three months previous. Farmers' data reports that these collisions increased by 9 percent between 2014 and 2015.
Here are some of Farmers' fall road tips to avoid an accident:
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- Wildlife is most active at dusk and dawn, according to the Colorado Parks Department, and the limited light during these times makes it more difficult for drivers to see animals in the road. Plan drives during daylight hours to reduce the risk of animal collision.
- Busy school zones and streets popular with trick-or-treaters make it even more important to remain vigilant while driving. When possible, avoid driving through these areas or consider walking or biking to school or other fall activities.
- Use the middle lane if you're on a multilane road when possible. This will give you more time to spot an animal that is trying to cross ahead of you.
- Portions of your route to work could convert to school zones during certain hours of the day. Obey all posted speed limits, watch for children in the street and pay extra attention around school buses. It's illegal in all 50 states to pass a bus that is loading or unloading children on an undivided roadway.
- If you hit an animal, pull over and call local law enforcement. They can direct you to your next step. In some states, there are special requirements regarding animal collisions. Once home, check with your department of motor vehicles to make sure you've covered all your bases
On the following pages, learn the three most common fall road hazards, based on comprehensive claims data, across eight regions in the United States:
(Photo: iStock)
Southwest
California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.
1. Vandalism & michief: 29 percent.
2. Rear-end accidents: 17 percent.
3. Car theft: 14 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
Pacific Northwest
Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
1. Collision with animals: 37 percent.
2. Rear-end accidents: 16 percent.
3. Vandalism & michief: 15 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
Midwest
Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
1. Hail damage: 46 percent.
2. Collision with animals: 21 percent.
3. Rear-end accidents: 17 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
South Central
Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana.
1. Collision with animals: 28 percent.
2. Rear-end accidents: 17 percent.
3. Hail damage: 14 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
Southeast
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
1. Collision with animals: 28 percent.
2. Rear-end accidents: 16 percent.
3. Vandalism & michief: 14 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
Greater Great Lakes
Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
1. Collision with aniamls: 51 percent.
2. Rear-end accidents: 16 percent.
3. Vandalism & michief: 15 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
Mid-Atlantic
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and West Virginia.
1. Collision with animals: 41 percent.
2. Vandalism & michief: 16 percent.
3. Rear-end accidents: 15 percent.
(Photo: iStock)
New England
Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
1. Collision with animals: 28 percent.
2. Rear-end accidents: 15 percent.
3. Vandalism & mischief: 14 percent.
Related: Utility poles as a roadside hazard
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