|
NEW
YORK (CNN/Money) - Pennsylvania ranks first among the top ten worst states for vehicle-deer
collisions, according to an insurance survey published Thursday.
Citing claim statistics, auto insurer State Farm said
that drivers in Pennsylvania experienced more deer collisions than any other state between
July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005.
State Farm estimates that 1.5 million vehicles collide
with deer every year, resulting in 150 motorists
deaths and $1.1 billion in vehicle damages.
With deer migrating and mating season occurring between
October and December, the auto insurer says a higher number of deer are
near roads this time of year.
Coming in second and third were Michigan and Illinois, followed by Ohio and Georgia. Minnesota and Virginia ranked sixth and seventh respectively, while Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin rounded out the list at eighth, ninth and tenth.
The insurance company said it based its rankings on the
total number of deer-accident claims filed with State Farm and did not
adjust for population.
The auto insurer says that attentive driving is still
the best deterrent for such accidents.
In order to avoid such collisions, State Farm says
drivers should use their high-beam headlights as much as possible to
illuminate deer hiding on the side of the road and to not rely on
car-mounted 'deer whistles,' which studies show not to affect the animal.
If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, according to
the company, it is best not to swerve, which could increase the risk of
injury and could cause you to lose control of your car.
|
