“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 Lyndsey Wellens, Vice President – Agency/Sales. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Pennsylvania customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

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 March 11. The last rate change in Pennsylvania was a decrease of 3 percent in July 2018. Combined, the two auto rate decreases will save Pennsylvania customers $81 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Pennsylvania,” said State Farm Senior Vice President Chris Schell. “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.

State Farm sponsored assist patrols in 18 states help keep the nation’s highest-trafficked roadways safe and clear. They reduce congestion, help stranded motorists, and provide traffic control and safety at incident scenes.

Safety patrols are operated by state departments of transportation and toll road authorities. They are known by a variety of names in 40 states. Their free services include changing flat tires, providing a jump-start or small amount of gasoline, and minor safety repairs.

“The safety patrols embody our ‘good neighbor’ philosophy and underscore our commitment to auto safety,” said Ed Gold, advertising director. “They help people recover from the unexpected, which is the heart of the State Farm mission.”

State Farm sponsorship helps increase coverage areas and raises awareness about the patrols. This helps the motoring public feel more secure when traveling the nation’s interstate system. Sponsored highway signs mark coverage areas. The bright red State Farm reflective markings also improve patrol vehicle visibility.

State Farm sponsors the safety patrols in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

State Farm has been committed to roadway safety since its founding in 1922. The company seeks to increase the safety of all drivers and passengers from infancy to the driver’s seat.

*Safety Service Patrol Priorities and Best Practices: USDOT Federal Highway Federal Highway Administration, April 2017

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

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The effective date for new and renewal business is July 15, 2018. Pennsylvania 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.

State Farm has once again joined with the United States Fire Administration for National Arson Awareness Week to raise awareness about reducing the risk of arson fires.

It’s impossible to prevent all arson crimes, but creating an environment that reduces the risk of damage and injury is important. Homeowners, business owners, and community leaders can help reduce the risk of arson through security measures and public education.

External and Internal Safety

• Illuminate building exteriors and entrances – arsonists fear light.
• Clear things like shrubbery that block the view of the home or building.
• Clean up – remove anything that could fuel a fire for an arsonist.
• Install smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
• Keep doors and windows locked when the building is unattended.
• Establish an arson watch program in your local neighborhood and community.

State Farm Arson Dog Program

Since 1993, State Farm has funded the acquisition and training of accelerant detection canine teams, commonly called arson dogs. The State Farm Arson Dog Program has placed more than 380 arson dogs in communities across North America. 

An arson dog team can quickly search a fire scene for evidence of arson. This saves time and money for tax payers and increases the likelihood that the arsonist will be caught and prosecuted. As of May 2017, there are 96 active and certified teams trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program in North America. This includes 12 new teams certified in April 2017. 

Hover over the interactive image below for details on these newest investigative teams:​

• Fire Chief Ricky Flowers & K9 Cato - Darlington County Fire District (Hartsville, SC)
• Fire Marshal Pat Weaver & K9 Izzy - Picayune Fire Department (Picayune, MS)
• Fire Investigator John Wauchek & K9 Mikey - Rutherford County Fire Rescue (Murfreesboro, TN)
• Arson Investigator Shane Arndt & K9 Mazy - Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (Springfield, IL)
• Fire Investigator Scott Wilson & K9 Bandel - DC Fire and EMS (Washington, D.C.)
• Deputy Jerry Riggins & K9 Marvel - Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Department (Chatham, VA)
• Fire Investigator Dan Roberts & K9 Gibson - Council Bluffs Fire Department (Council Bluffs, IA)
• Arson Investigator Ryan Press & K9 Jenna - San Antonio Fire Department (San Antonio, TX)
• Lieutenant Brandon Ferrell & K9 Pearl - Conroe Fire Department (Conroe, TX)
• Firefighter Shane Weltikol & K9 Webbster - Mandan Fire Department (Mandan, ND)
• Patrolman Brian Gilmore & K9 Elou - Upper Chichester Township Police Department (Boothwyn, PA)
• Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Pasley & K9 Izzo - Columbia Fire Department (Columbia, MO)

Three Church Fires in One Evening

A church should be a safe and peaceful place. The theme for 2017 National Arson Awareness is “Preventing Arson Fires in Houses of Worship”. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that from 2007 – 2011, the average for structure fires at religious properties (church, mosque, synagogue, temple or chapel) was 1,600 fires and $105 million in direct property damage. Recent analysis by the Pew Research Center indicates that 51% of these fires were determined to be arson.

December 2, 2014, will go down in history as one of the most devastating for Felton, Delaware. It was around 2:00 a.m. when firefighters from the Felton and Frederica Volunteer Fire Companies were called to a fire at the Healing Hands Christian Church. Firefighters were already battling the blaze when they received word that a second church, Manship Chapel, was on fire four miles away. Within hours, a third fire was reported at the nearby Law Mennonite Church. For the members of the three churches, the fires left them heartbroken and scared.

Arson was suspected in all three church fires, but it would take more than suspicion to bring the criminal(s) to justice. Arson is a very difficult crime to solve because the evidence burns up. For fire investigators, having every tool available is critical when arson is suspected. Deputy Fire Marshal John Galaska with the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office had the powerful nose of his partner, K9 Tanya, to help with the investigation. As an accelerant detection, or “arson dog” team, their job is to help find evidence that a fire was intentionally started.

Deputy Marshal Galaska and K9 Tanya worked with state and federal law enforcement agencies to collect evidence. Their hard work led to the arrest of two local men. Both men confessed to breaking into the churches following a night of heavy drinking. They pled guilty to second degree arson, third degree burglary, and second degree conspiracy. For Galaska and K9 Tanya, it was another investigation resulting in an arsonist behind bars. It also allowed the community and the congregations to begin healing.

Wife Brande works for State Farm Agent Ann Price in Duluth, GA. Her customer interactions help families find solutions that protect what’s important to them.

Husband Tommy is a Deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department in the DUI, Drug, and Veteran’s Treatment Courts. He protects the public by helping people better themselves rather than re-offend. His job is not without risks and Brande recognizes that.

“When people are angry about being in jail they have nothing but time to think of ways to hurt him,” she said. “There have been a couple of instances where I wanted him to change jobs."

To help provide peace of mind to first responder families like the Maloys, State Farm teamed up with the home security company Canary to launch Protect the Protectors. The program donates Canary devices to first responders so they can watch activity in their homes through a smartphone.

“We want to acknowledge first responders for the work they do and dangers they face,” said John Carter, head of communication for Canary. “There’s a person behind the badge and they have families.”

Brande proudly joined 29 State Farm Agents at a September event where home monitoring devices were provided to Gwinnett County sheriff deputies.

“As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have a heightened awareness of the high risks police face on the job. The donation of the Canary devices was gracious and falls in line with our (State Farm) focus on helping life go right.”

Tommy also praised the program.

“Being able to check my phone and see my home and family while I am at work is great,” he said. “The kids may not like it, but I do.”

Extending the Protection

During the very first Protect the Protectors event in December 2015, 400 home monitoring devices were donated to Allentown, PA first responders. Protect the Protectors has since donated more than 5,000 home monitoring devices to police and fire departments.

State Farm employee Josh Boyd volunteered to help distribute devices to more than 300 Irving, TX police officers. It was a special honor for Josh, his dad, Larry, served the citizens of Irving for 12 years as police chief before retiring in 2016.

“At one point my dad stopped being a police officer because my mom was too scared,” Josh said. “But he went back because that’s what he’s passionate about. Officers face risk every day and I am pleased the company I work for has chosen to appreciate them.”

Learn more

To learn more about a Canary special offer for State Farm customers, visit the State Farm Home Protection & Automation website. Homeowners and renters may qualify for the Local Burglar Alarm discount level under the State Farm Home Alert Protection Discount. No documentation of installation is required. Availability and terms of discounts vary by state. Contact a State Farm agent for details.

There is crime-fighting hero protecting the citizens of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. His name is Judge and his super nose helps find evidence at fire scenes.

Arson K9 Judge is a 7-year-old, yellow Labrador retriever. He has been in service since early 2011. His handler and partner, Allentown Fire Chief Lee Laubach, met Judge for the first time in the spring of 2011. That's when they first began training together through the State Farm Arson Dog Program. They have been investigating fires for the Allentown Fire Department ever since. In 2016, the duo were recognized as the Arson Dog of the Year during the annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards™.

Paws for a Cause in Wayland, MI raised him to be a disability assistance dog. At a year old, it became apparent that Judge’s enthusiastic work drive and personality wasn’t a service dog fit. However, he did have a strong prey drive – the desire to chase and find things. This made him ideal for accelerant detection. He went to Maine to train for a career change.

As an arson dog, Judge is thrives in three major areas: investigation, deterrent, and education. As an investigator, Judge has worked over 275 fire scenes. The evidence he found has led to multiple criminal arrests and civil penalties for fraud cases.

As a deterrent, the numbers speak for themselves. Arson fires have dropped 53% since began service in Allentown. Media reports of his assignment led to quick closure of a recent case. Juveniles who set a house fire returned to the scene of the crime. When they saw Judge, they confessed and turned themselves in to detectives. They knew it was just a matter of time before they were caught.

As an educator, Judge has done nearly 540 fire safety programs. Crime watch groups, specialty dog shows, elementary and high school programs are among the audiences for his demonstrations. Chief Laubach gets calls from parents letting him know their children remind them to change the smoke alarm batteries – because “Judge said so!” The Allentown Fire Department even also has a pilot program where Judge helps convey safety messages to autistic children. He has been instrumental in making the entire Lehigh Valley and neighboring communities more aware of fire and life safety.

Intentionally set fire losses cost billions of dollars in property and hundreds of lives annually. State Farm helps combat arson fraud and assists law enforcement investigations through its Arson Dog Program. Since 1993, 370 dogs and their partners have gone through the program. An “arsonist’s worst nightmare”, they work in 44 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.

State Farm has also been a sponsor of the American Humane and the Hero Dog Awards since 2012. The annual event recognizes and celebrates the contributions and bravery of canines. Eight amazing dogs took home top honors in their individual categories. Named as the overall 2016 American Hero Dog of the Year was an English Mastiff named Hooch. He overcame horrific abuse and disfigurement and became an inspiration for autistic, abused, and special needs children. All of the heroic canines and their human partners joined celebrity guests in Beverly Hills, CA, this past September. The emotional awards ceremony aired October 28 on the Hallmark Channel.

2016 American Humane Hero Dog Awards Category Winners

Emerging Hero Dog category and 2016 American Hero Dog of the Year

• Hooch (Tehachapi, CA)

Arson Dog category (sponsored by State Farm)

• Judge (Allentown, PA)

Guide/Hearing Dog category

• Hook (Sacramento, CA)

Law Enforcement Dog category

• K-9 Edo (Los Angeles, CA)

Military Dog category

• Layka (Galena, KS)

Search and Rescue Dog category

• Kobuk (York, ME)

Service Dog category

• Gander (Great Lakes, IL)

Therapy Dog category

• Mango (Las Cruces, NM)

For firefighter David Seidl and his new partner, their good days result in lives saved and criminals behind bars. Safe transportation is a necessity for them to fulfill their important community safety role. In fact, adequate transportation for his new partner was one of David’s first concerns. His partner, Patty, is loyal, eager, has an outgoing personality. She also has the most important nose in the fire department.

K9 Patty is an accelerant detection canine, commonly referred to as an arson dog. She is the Beaver Falls Fire Department’s not-so-secret weapon. David and K9 Patty search through burnt debris while investigating fire scenes throughout western Pennsylvania. They look for the presence of accelerants (i.e. gasoline or fuel) which may indicate an arson fire. This evidence is critical in determining how a fire was started and ultimately bringing the arsonist to justice.

Trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program in April 2015, David and K9 Patty made an immediate impact in their community. Beginning in late August of the same year, abandoned homes in Beaver Falls and neighboring White Township were being burned to the ground. Over the course of a month, at least 11 abandoned homes or other buildings were torched. K9 Patty did her job. She found evidence of accelerants at several of the fire scenes, indicating that the fires might be the work of a serial arsonist.

Because of her work, community fear turned to relief on September 29, 2015. Officers noticed a suspicious individual at an abandoned home that had just been set on fire. Apprehended at the scene, detectives had K9 Patty sniff his clothing for possible evidence. The canine hero alerted to accelerant on his shoes. Based on her alert and other information gathered at the scene, the suspect was arrested and charged with arson

K9 Patty was definitely showing her skills and value to the community. However, there was still a big problem. K9 Patty needed safe and comfortable transport to fire investigations.

Surrounding communities and counties called in the team to investigate fire scenes because of their early success. The City of Beaver Falls didn’t have a car or truck with a dog cage or a heat alarm system for K9 Patty.

Once again, State Farm was there to help. State Farm agents Brian Wozniak, Bethanie DeLuca, and Eddie Isabella attended a community event where K9 Patty demonstrated her skills. They also learned of her need for safe transport. The Beaver Falls-based agents reached out to State Farm Public Affairs Community Specialist Dwayne Redd, and the search was on for a respectable “K9 mobile.”

State Farm associates up and down the East Coast were alerted to the need for a salvage vehicle to donate to the fire department. Claims Salvage Monitors Steven Wisotsky and Bob Jena located a 2013 Ford Taurus in a Long Island auction yard. It had been part of a recovered theft case. Steven and Bob began networking to raise money for upgrades to the Taurus through the Recycled Rides program.

“There were many issues with creating a police or fire vehicle from the civilian version of the Ford Taurus,” Steven said. “Special mounts for the dog cage had to be custom made and welded to the interior. There were issues with the civilian version of the front console verses the police interceptor package. Headlamps and tail lights needed retrofitting to accept emergency lighting. There were endless challenges but we found ways to make it all work.”

After several months of hard work, the team had the vehicle and parts, but still needed donations to modify the car for maximum safety. Steven called State Farm Agent Stephanie Sgroi in Port Jefferson Station, NY and she became involved in the project too.

“I’ve worked with Steven for a couple of years on similar donations,” Stephanie said. “When he asked me to help, it was a no brainer. I hooked him up with the local fire chief and a customer who handles fire equipment for municipalities.”

“Donations started pouring in,” Steven says, “more than we could have hoped for. We had enough to install the dog safety cage to protect the dog from injury resulting from a crash or roll over. We also installed a heat alarm system which has temperature sensors that open the windows and set off alarms when the temperature escalates. We even installed equipment that the fire department needed, but didn’t have a budget for - a light bar, siren, front and rear strobe lights, ghost lettering, and a two-way radio.”

For State Farm Agent Brian Wozniak, it was a special moment when the vehicle was finally completed and put into service.

“It was great to see everyone come together,” Brian said. “New York agents and businesses donated even though they’ll never see the Pennsylvania team in action. We wouldn’t have been able to fund the vehicle by holding raffles and spaghetti dinners. It’s pretty special, and I’m proud State Farm was a part of it.”

Beaver County Commissioner Sandy Egley summed up the donation event perfectly. “Beaver County doesn’t have very many good days, but this was a very good day.”

The following businesses donated either monetarily or in-kind. 

• Pennsylvania Donors: Beaver County collision Center, Brady’s Run Veterinary, Glick Fire Equipment, Hutch Homes, Jims Visionary Auto + Best Buy Motors, MSA Mine Safety Equipment, Oram’s Doughnuts, McElwain Brothers Body Shop, Novak Auto Wrecking, Zignature Pet Foods and several local State Farm Agents
• New York Donors:  Proliner Rescue, Scotsman Collision, A Plus Auto Salvage, Code 3 Emergency Lighting, LIABRA Long Island Auto Body Repairman’s Association, Charity Cars Inc, Relay Communications, Act 2 Towing, State Wide Auto Detailing, A+D Auto Repair, Lange Technical Forensic Specialists, Suffolk County Police Department, Mt. Sinai Fire Department, Sunken Meadow Auto Body, Insurance Auto Auctions, LT Auto Glass Installed the windshield, North and Sons Emergency Lettering, Ultimate Window Tinting, and State Farm Agent Stephanie Sgroi

Today’s youth want to create positive change in their communities, contrary to some opinions of this generation. They are more than just social media and phone obsessed teens. In fact, 23 student leaders from Pennsylvania want their peers to put down those very phones and just drive.

This group of inspiring leaders are part of SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions, supported by State Farm. In April of 2016, the group attended the Pennsylvania SADD Youth Safety Summit. There they spoke about wanting to prevent tragedies in the form of auto crashes from happening to their peers. They want to make sure new drivers get the experience behind the wheel they need and to help enact policy changes that will keep them safe.

The Pennsylvania high schoolers, equipped with relevant information, candidly discussed teen driver laws, specifically an amendment to a larger distracted driving bill. The bill, if passed, would require a zero tolerance policy for teen drivers when it comes to electronic devices (phones).

After a serious and thoughtful discussion, the teens decided to not only back the bill but share their opinions with decision makers – Pennsylvania state legislators.

Most people have at least one teacher who really stood out to them during their education. Was it the math teacher who stayed after hours to help you understand Geometry? Or was it the English teacher who sparked your passion for writing?

Since 2007, State Farm has worked with the National Liberty Museum to recognize more than 100 outstanding educators in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and beyond. Each spring, they recognize educators who have affected positive change in their schools and communities with the Teacher as Hero Award.

Educators are honored for excellence in:

• Fostering an appreciation for diversity in the classroom;
• Teaching students how to resolve conflicts respectfully;
• Giving students a deeper understanding of the relationship between rights and responsibilities;
• Honoring student voice in the classroom and in public spaces;
• Having taken a risk in order to remove an obstacle to a student’s liberty; or
• Successfully incorporating the above concepts in their relationships with colleagues and community members.

One teacher who exemplifies those traits is Sherry Paris. Sherry is a 9th through 12th grade math teacher at Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, PA. She received the Teacher as Hero Award in 2013 for being both a strong advocate for all of her students and an incredibly passionate, welcoming, and caring teacher in the classroom.

“I teach because I want to make a difference in the world. I enjoy helping students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they communicate and collaborate with each other,” shared Sherry. “Teaching, for me, is a form of self-expression. I love to witness and participate in helping people figure things out. I teach because I love to educate, and I love my students.”

For years, Sherry has advised the after-school Diversity Trainers Club (DTC), which is her school district’s largest anti-bullying program. Each fall, she coordinates training sessions with representatives from local organizations to teach more than 200 high school students communication skills – helping to prevent and defuse intolerant and bullying behavior in the school.

“In this group, students think about social issues and communicate across their own differences. So many students are inspired to help others,” said Sherry. “They recognize that they can be a positive role model for a middle school student. For instance, they may have been bullied in middle school or struggled with self-esteem. They find empowerment in acknowledging what was difficult for them and take pride in knowing they may have made someone else’s experience a little easier or helped someone come to an important realization about themselves,” Sherry continued.

Sherry’s work reaches beyond the walls of her own school, allowing her to make a positive difference in the lives of so many students. Many of the students who attend the annual Diversity Trainers Conference have expressed how important DTC and Sherry are to the community.

In addition to the recognition at the awards ceremony, honored teachers receive:

• a free family membership to the National Liberty Museum;
• a free guided tour of the Museum for their class;
• their story featured in the Museum’s Teacher as Hero exhibit;
• participation in a Museum Act 48 teacher training workshop of their choice at no charge; and
• various other gifts from the Museum.

Located in historic Philadelphia, the National Liberty Museum brings liberty to life by fostering strong character and civic engagement, inviting visitors to explore liberty and discover their inner hero. For more information, or to submit a nomination, visit www.libertymuseum.org.