Approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur in the United States each year, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and insurer State Farm. These incidents result in an estimated $1 billion in vehicle damage annually, along with tens of thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Deer-vehicle collisions are most common during peak migration and mating seasons, particularly in October through December, when deer are more active at dawn and dusk.
To provide a clearer picture, here is a table with supporting data from various authoritative sources:
| Year | Estimated Deer-Vehicle Collisions in the U.S. | Key Notes |
|---|
| 2022 | 1.5 million | State Farm report, based on insurance claims |
| 2021 | 1.4 million | IIHS data, slight increase from previous year |
| 2020 | 1.3 million | Lower due to reduced travel during pandemic |
| 2019 | 1.5 million | Consistent with long-term averages |
| 2018 | 1.3 million | IIHS figures highlighting regional variations |
| 2017 | 1.2 million | Focus on high-risk states like Pennsylvania |
| 2016 | 1.4 million | Peak in November, per wildlife studies |
| 2015 | 1.3 million | Economic impact over $1 billion |
| 2014 | 1.2 million | Data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
| 2013 | 1.1 million | Highlighting injury rates of around 10,000 annually |
| 2012 | 1.4 million | State Farm analysis of claim frequency |
| 2011 | 1.3 million | Emphasis on rural vs. urban incident rates |
| 2010 | 1.2 million | Baseline for decade-long trends |
These collisions are not evenly distributed; states with high deer populations, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, account for a disproportionate number of incidents. For example, Pennsylvania alone sees over 100,000 deer-related crashes per year. The term deer-vehicle collision refers specifically to accidents involving motor vehicles and deer, which are often unpredictable due to deer behavior like sudden crossing.
To reduce risks, drivers should be extra vigilant in wooded areas during twilight hours, use high beams when safe, and avoid swerving abruptly—which can lead to more severe accidents. Modern vehicles with collision avoidance systems are becoming better at detecting large animals, but driver awareness remains key. Always report collisions to authorities for data tracking and safety improvements.
