Many are financially strained, emotionally drained, and facing significant barriers to employment. These barriers are particularly acute among young people of color and women.

These are the findings of a recent America’s Promise Alliance survey. The nationally representative survey of 3,530 people age 16-24 found:

• Nearly half (40.0%) of young people reported experiencing a sense of financial strain. They report high levels of difficulty surviving financially, paying their bills, and affording basic healthcare costs.
• More than two-thirds (67.8%) indicated that COVID-19 and the related economic recession have had some effect or a large effect on their work life (e.g., getting the job that they desire or achieving their career goals).
• 70.1% report experiencing an elevated state of stress "about half the time" or more. More than one in three young people (34.5%) reported feeling this way "most of the time" or "always."
• Among youth who are unemployed or marginally attached to the labor market, three in four (76%) reported that COVID-19 has made their job search more difficult. Nearly one in three (31%) reported having stopped their job search due to COVID-19.

The survey findings are outlined in The State of Youth Employment: Navigating the World of Work during COVID-19 report. It provides insight into young people’s experiences navigating the labor market and their overall wellbeing. A State Farm® grant supported the research.

“Employers of all types and sizes can play a role in prioritizing opportunities for young people. Those that pay fair wages and cultivate belonging provide not just a job, but a foothold to a meaningful career,” said State Farm AVP of Diversity and Inclusion Rasheed Merritt. “Working with young people and youth-serving organizations, we can create a more hopeful and prosperous future for this generation and those to come.”

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After a harrowing encounter with a deer in southeastern Pennsylvania this fall, Chrissi Rhodes Villa has a simple message for you.

“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.

“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)

In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s how they’re doing it.

Sudha Nandam  _______________________________________________ State Farm® Software Developer (Tenure: 2 years)

“I grew up in South India (Ponnur).There were 32 of us living under one roof! My parents, their siblings, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins. I always liked math and science – and wanted to pursue higher education. This took many by surprise. In those days women often stayed home. My father told me, 'If this is what you want to do, do it with all your heart.' I was the first woman in my family to go to college. I attended a technical university (JNTU, Kakinada) and studied engineering. During this journey I met my husband, who’s also in information technology. We came to the United States in 2008. As a software developer at State Farm, my focus is Java. I work on web services for agency marketing and customer care data. I love working here. No matter who you are, there are opportunities to develop your skills. It’s exciting to be part of a tech company dedicated to forward thinking and new ways of working."

The impact:

"My pursuit of technology inspired the younger women in my family to go to college. ‘We want to study like you!’ they said. Today, they work in IT. My 18-year-old son also plans to study IT in college. No matter who you are, or where you come from – if you’re committed to learning, you can accomplish anything.”

“I’ve been in IT my entire career and worked for a variety of companies. Nothing compares to State Farm and its zest for learning. As a scrum master, it’s about data, communication and progress. In IT you can impact hundreds, if not thousands, of people with one key stroke. That’s incredible! To top it off, when I discover something the computer doesn’t know, I get a huge rush."

The impact:

"There’s always room for more women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Here in Texas, I’m involved in the Apollo Coding Club. I started working with the program in 2018 to give middle school girls the chance to code. Each week State Farm volunteers teach the students JavaScript and web development. At the end of the semester we host a showcase at CityLine, where the girls present their work to State Farm leadership, teachers, families and friends. I love seeing these young ladies blossom. They come to us with a desire to learn – but many are also quiet, reserved. As the weeks go by and their knowledge increases, so does their confidence. By the time the showcase arrives, they’re comfortable on the computer and speaking in front of a room. Those who’ve been through the program have chosen to pursue this education in high school and beyond. If you have a desire to learn, and you follow through on that desire – you will excel. The Apollo Coding Club is proof of that. I’m honored to give back in this way.”

“I grew up in Jamaica. One of five children. My parents knew an education was the way to a better future. My mom relocated to the United States, where she knew we would have multiple opportunities. She earned her LPN in nursing and worked two jobs to ensure we had an education. I went to Fordham University in New York and earned a degree in computer science. I had a knack for math and science, started as pre-med then quickly switched to computer science. My older brother had just earned his master’s degree in computer science, so it was an easy decision. State Farm is actually my third job after college. The minute I came to State Farm, I knew this was a great place to work. When we say, ‘Like a Good Neighbor,’ it’s not a tagline. It’s the truth. Here it’s family.”

The impact:

"My philosophy has always been, when you learn, teach. When you get, give. People saw potential in me. They said, ‘You CAN do this.’ I stayed on the path. As a leader in tech, my focus is on the workforce – identifying talent, building skillsets, extending our brand to colleges and universities across the country and sponsoring STEM programs like Girls Who Code in Atlanta. When I look at my grandma, mother, myself and my two strong, intelligent daughters, I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made and what’s to come. Ten years ago, when I attended tech conferences there was no line for the ladies restroom. Today, there’s a line! As women we’re blazing a trail. It’s about goals, not excuses. Remember, you are not a victim. You are in control. If my story helps inspire more women to make their dreams a reality, it’s my responsibility to share it."

Ines Halloran  _________________________________________________ State Farm® Technology Executive (Tenure: 29 years)

"The harder the issue, the better. Give me the tough stuff. I like challenge! I’ve had a passion for math and science since I was little. I grew up in Germany, near Munich and met my husband when he was stationed here. We moved to the United States in the '80s, and I began an internship with State Farm in 1990. The moment I walked in the door, I realized this place is special. In Europe, business is formal, structured and traditional. The State Farm culture is creative, friendly and open to ideas. Originally, I thought this would be a short-term way to get experience. I had no intention of being an executive. But people pulled me in, gave me opportunities – and I seized them. As technology evolves, we need more people in the industry, including women. Just as my peers said to me, 'You CAN do this, we BELIEVE in you,' – today, I’m mentoring the next generation – helping them see themselves as a true competitor in this field. By sharing our stories, we inspire more women to come into the pipeline.”

The impact:

In April, Ines will be honored as one of this year’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech. The award, presented by the National Diversity Council, recognizes the achievements of women with a proven track record for breaking barriers, driving change and inspiring others to succeed.

“I’m thrilled to receive this honor and represent State Farm,” said Ines. “It’s awesome to show the rest of the world State Farm is part of the technology conversation. To all the women out there: Be bold. Be at the table. Challenge your own bias and celebrate success. You can do this.”

In September 2016, State Farm worked with Bloomberg Government to measure the public’s perceptions of driverless cars. The results were presented at Bloomberg's Next Tech event in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 15, 2016. Strategic Resources Director Chris Mullen represented State Farm on the panel.

Click links in the left navigation bar to download a full survey report and Bloomberg content.

About the survey - Bloomberg Govenment conducted the survey on behalf of State Farm to:

• Establish a better understanding of the general public’s attitudes and expectations around the acceptance of automated vehicle technologies.
• Gain a better understanding of the public’s impressions of these technologies and the knowledge gaps that may exist around their use.
• Focus on how this new technology will impact consumer behavior, with a spotlight on safety.

Key Findings

• Between 30-40% would definitely consider riding in a vehicle with autonomous/self driving capabilities…if:
  • The vehicle was in an area with few or no other vehicles
  • In low speed areas
  • For very short rides, under 10 minutes
• While some are willing to try, most are not completely at ease with the concept.
  • Less than 20% would definitely consider riding in an autonomous vehicle in heavily congested or high speed areas (65 mph+).
  • Respondents said they would be most comfortable with autonomous/self-driving vehicles that they own or lease.
  • There is less comfort with autonomous/self-driving buses, shuttles, taxis or ride sharing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) compared to other autonomous/self-driving vehicles.
  • Autonomous vehicles are not yet considered a solution for those unable to drive.
  • This is particularly true of those too young to drive – only 14% are very comfortable with sending younger (non-drivers) in an autonomous vehicle.
• Respondents consider it slightly more acceptable to have the physically disabled or the elderly travel in this manner.
• Over half are very concerned about the possibility of dangerous outcomes due to autonomous/self-driving vehicles such as:
  • Computer system malfunctions, especially if they cause the vehicle to crash
  • The potential for hacking, taking over the vehicle
  • Sensors not operating optimally in certain weather conditions or at night
• Only about a third believe these dangerous outcomes are very likely to occur
• There are a number of potential benefits that make autonomous vehicles attractive, including the possibility of:
  • Lower accident rates
  • Lower insurance rates
  • Being able to travel while drowsy
  • Reduced traffic congestion
• Demographics are best at explaining comfort with autonomous vehicles. Those most predisposed toward autonomous vehicles tend to be:
  • Male
  • Under the age of 40
  • Have a college degree
• The amount of time an individual spends in a vehicle is also positively related to interest. However, those that are rarely passengers are LESS interested in trying an autonomous vehicle.
• Seeing an autonomous/self-driving vehicle operate first hand and/or being exposed to research demonstrating their safety will go a long way toward appeasing consumer concerns.