“Please be careful on the roads and watch for deer,” she said.

In an instant, a deer bounded into the road and collided with their car, one of nearly 2 million crashes with animals every year.

“We weren’t going fast,” Rhodes Villa said. “It just happened so fast.”

It’s not an unusual occurrence, especially in October, November and December. U.S. drivers on average have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal, according to the State Farm^® annual study. There were over 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

Pennsylvania ranks third in the country with drivers having a 1-in-51 chance of an animal collision. West Virginia (1-in-37) again tops the list, followed by Montana (1-in-47). South Dakota and Michigan round out the top five, followed by Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, Minnesota and Wyoming.

The large majority of animal collisions are with deer. For the year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 there were estimated to be 1.5 million deer claims industry-wide.

“Claims after collisions with an animal range from small dents to totaled vehicles and injured drivers and passengers,” says Michael Braaten, director, Enterprise Research. “By sharing ways to help drivers be aware of the increased dangers this time of year – including inclement weather, shorter periods of daylight and students driving home after evening activities – State Farm hopes to help decrease the number of collisions and injuries.”

Hawaii (1-in-649), Nevada (1-in-551) and California (1-in-427) are the states where drivers have the least chance of an animal collision.

How Can You Avoid Deer in Your Headlights?

Growing deer and other animal populations combined with the displacement of animal habitats are making animal crashes more likely. There’s no real way to keep large animals like deer, moose, and elk off the road, but these safety tips can help you prevent animal-car collisions.

Stay alert. Pay attention to "deer crossing" and other signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.

Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on a deer in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.

Don't swerve. If an animal-car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don't veer off the road.

Brake as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.

Remember peak season. Deer crashes happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season. Collisions are most likely to happen in West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

Remember meal time. Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.

Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.

Don't rely on a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.

Wear seat belts. Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.

In the News

• AccuWeather.com:  Ways to steer clear of deer this year (11/10/20)

“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Tom Conley, SVP. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Montana customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

In addition to the auto rate reduction, the discount for participating in Drive Safe & Save™ is increasing to 10%, and empowers drivers to save more on their auto premiums through driving behaviors.

Rate changes in Montana are subject to regulatory approval. Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals. Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

The effective date for new and renewal business is April 22. The last rate change in Montana was a decrease of 4.6 percent in May 2018. Combined, the two auto rate decreases will save Montana customers $16 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Montana,” said State Farm Senior Vice President Tom Conley. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change."

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. Customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease combined with discounts offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

“The company’s financial strength is allowing us to pass along rate savings to our Montana customers," said State Farm Senior Vice President Tom Conley. “We continually evaluate how we can best serve our customers and are very pleased to be able to offer this rate decrease in Montana.”

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The average Montana customer savings will be approximately $37 per year. The effective date for new and renewal business is August 13, 2018. Montana customers with questions can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation.

In addition to this rate reduction, State Farm agents are able to review with new and existing customers the many opportunities for additional discounts that may apply to an individual’s unique circumstances. A rate decrease combined with discounts offers an exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

The town residents enjoy a 360 degree view of mountains, rivers, plains and spectacular coulees without a way to access and enjoy these spots safely. With the support of residents and city and county government, a committee was formed in 2011 to help make a change.

A proposal for an exciting eight mile route, was mapped and broken into segments, all around and through Cut Bank. It would provide access to an untapped world many in the community had never seen. A segment of the trail would be designated a safe route through town to access public recreation spots. The scenery and access are two immediate benefits of the effort, but the trail would also promote Cut Bank as a better place to live, work and visit for generations to come.

This endeavor was a lofty goal, with an immense price tag. But the determination of this small town is as big as the 27 foot concrete penguin landmark that greets visitors as they enter the community.

The trail committee heard about the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant program. Fortunately, Cut Bank was one the 40 winners from across the country in 2015 to win the grant.

Cut Bank could move forward with the most exciting section of the walking trail. This is due to the combination of volunteers, donated materials, and the $25,000 grant. The Coulee Route is a visually stunning 1.5 mile section of trail that follows the natural valley carved out by Cut Bank Creek.

The new paths carved through the Cut Bank community allow residents the opportunity to get out and walk, explore, and be active. “All you need is a pair of shoes,” says Burke McCormick, Route Chairman, Cut Bank Trail.