Deer-Vehicle Collisions and Accidents: Facts and Statistics

Deer-vehicle collisions peak in November and at dusk. Stay alert, brake safely and know how insurance covers damage to protect yourself and your vehicle.

By Nathan Paulus

Edited by Venus Zoleta

Updated: November 5, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

A deer crosses a busy highway full of vehicles.

Colliding with a deer isn’t just a rural driver’s concern — it’s a growing issue affecting millions of drivers annually. Over two million deer-vehicle collisions happen each year in the U.S., causing $10 billion in damage, 59,000 injuries and 440 fatalities. These accidents peak during autumn evenings, especially in November, when deer activity is highest.

Stay alert during dusk and dawn when visibility is low to reduce risks. Brake safely without swerving. After hitting a deer, document the scene and understand your insurance coverage to help manage the aftermath.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Deer-vehicle collisions peak in November, with claims reaching as high as nearly 14 per 1,000 insured vehicle years in 2021. Most accidents occur at dusk and dawn during mating season when deer activity increases and visibility decreases.
West Virginia has the highest collision risk (one in 40), followed by Montana (one in 54) and Michigan (one in 59). Nevada is the safest state, with a low risk of one in 834.
In high-risk areas, slow down, watch for movement near wooded roads and use high beams at night for better visibility. If a deer crosses your path, brake firmly and stay in your lane to avoid losing control.
If you hit a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location, document the scene with photos and contact law enforcement if the deer is blocking the road or causing a hazard.
File an insurance claim promptly with photos and detailed accident information. Comprehensive insurance typically covers deer collisions, but review your deductible and policy terms to understand the financial implications.

States With the Highest and Lowest Risks for Deer (Animal) Collisions

Deer-vehicle collisions account for most animal-related crashes, with risk levels varying widely by state.

West Virginia had the highest animal collision risk in 2024, with drivers facing one-in-40 odds of hitting an animal. West Virginia drivers should stay alert on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

Other high-risk states include:

Montana: One in 54
Michigan: One in 59
Pennsylvania: One in 61

Nevada has the lowest collision odds at one in 834. Urban development and fewer wildlife crossings near major highways keep Nevada's risk low. The safest states include:

Hawaii: One in 775
Alaska: One in 619
Arizona: One in 509

ANIMALS MOST OFTEN HIT BY VEHICLES

Deer account for most animal-vehicle collisions in the U.S. and cause the most severe damage and injuries. Larger animals create greater hazards, while smaller ones trigger sudden driver reactions that result in accidents.

The animals most frequently hit by vehicles include:

Deer
Rodents
Dogs
Raccoons
Coyotes
Turkeys
Cattle
Birds
Squirrels

Most Dangerous Conditions for Deer Collisions

Deer collisions are most common in autumn, especially during deer mating season in late October to early December. The riskiest times of day are dusk and dawn, when low visibility coincides with peak deer activity. Full moon nights also see higher collision rates due to increased animal movement.

Most Dangerous Seasons

Animal collision risk rises sharply during autumn, particularly from late October through early December. Deer mating season (the rut) peaks during this period, driving more deer across roadways.

November consistently records the highest collision claims: around 13 per 1,000 insured vehicle years in 2020, 14 in 2021 and 12 in 2022. These figures are nearly triple the lowest months, such as April 2020 (four) and August 2020 (four).

Most Dangerous Times

Time of day matters for deer collisions. Dusk and dawn bring the highest risk, as deer are most active during twilight hours. Poor visibility during these times makes spotting animals harder for drivers.

Moon phase affects collision rates, too. Wildlife collisions increase during full moons, as brighter light prompts deer to travel greater distances and cross more roads.

How to Avoid a Deer Collision

Avoiding a deer collision starts with knowing deer behavior, staying alert during high-risk times and using modern safety features. Defensive driving and preparedness reduce accident risk.

Learn deer behavior and peak activity times

Deer are most active at dusk and dawn, particularly during their mating season from late October through December. Watch for deer in wooded areas, near water sources or along highways that cut through forests. If you see one deer, slow down and scan for more, as they often travel in groups.

Reduce speed in risky areas

In high-risk areas such as rural highways, suburban roads near forests or agricultural zones, reduce your speed to 10 to 15 mph below the posted limit, especially at night. Slowing down not only increases your reaction time but also reduces the severity of potential collisions.

Watch for deer crossing signs

Deer crossing signs are placed based on historical collision data. Be extra cautious when you see these signs, especially on stretches of road with dense vegetation or tree lines close to the shoulder. Keep scanning the roadside for movement, even if no deer are immediately visible.

Use your vehicle’s lighting

Use high beams on dark, rural roads to improve your visibility, but only if there’s no oncoming traffic. Look for the reflection of deer eyes or their silhouettes on the road. Make sure your headlights are properly aligned to illuminate the road’s edges where deer are likely to appear.

Employ modern safety features

Activate your vehicle’s collision detection system and automatic emergency braking, if available. These features can detect animals crossing your path and apply the brakes automatically. If your car has adaptive headlights, use them to enhance visibility on curves and uneven terrain.

Avoid distractions

Distracted driving reduces reaction time, especially in deer-prone areas. Avoid multitasking and keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Put away your phone, set up GPS directions before driving and limit conversations that distract you from scanning the roadside.

Keep a safe following distance

When driving behind another vehicle, maintain at least a three-second gap to give yourself time to react if the car ahead suddenly brakes for a deer. Increase this distance at night or in poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced.

Don't swerve

If a deer jumps into your path, brake firmly and remain in your lane. Swerving can cause you to lose control or collide with another vehicle. Even if hitting the deer is unavoidable, striking it head-on at a slower speed is safer than swerving off the road or into oncoming traffic.

Honk to deter deer

When a deer is near the road, use your horn with one long blast to scare it away. This is more effective than flashing your headlights, which can confuse or freeze the animal. Keep honking until the deer has moved away from your path.

What to Do if You Hit a Deer

After hitting a deer, prioritize safety, assess the situation and document the incident for your insurance claim. Acting quickly protects you, your passengers and your vehicle while streamlining the claims process.

1
Check for injuries
Check yourself and passengers for injuries immediately. Look for signs of shock, bleeding or pain, even if the impact seemed minor. If anyone is hurt or unresponsive, call emergency services and provide your exact location.
2
Move to safety
If your vehicle is drivable, pull over to the roadside or a safe area away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and prevent secondary accidents. If your car isn't drivable, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and hazard lights on until help arrives.
3
Stay away from the deer
Never approach an injured deer. The animal may thrash or act unpredictably. Stay at a safe distance and let authorities or animal control handle the situation.
4
Call 911 and report the incident
Notify local law enforcement or wildlife authorities about the accident, especially if the deer blocks traffic or creates a safety hazard. Provide details about your location, your vehicle's condition and any injuries. Some states require reporting when damage is significant or the deer obstructs the roadway.
5
Assess vehicle damage
Once you're in a safe location, inspect your vehicle for damage: broken headlights, windshield cracks or fluid leaks. Don't drive further if the damage affects your brakes or steering. If it's dark, use your hazard lights or a flashlight to check the car safely.
6
Document the scene
Take multiple photos of the accident scene: damage to your car, the deer's position and any skid marks or debris. Include wide-angle shots of road conditions and close-ups of the damage. This documentation proves the circumstances for your insurance claim.
7
Contact your insurer
After documenting the scene, inform your insurance provider about the collision promptly. Share photos and detailed information from the incident. Quick reporting speeds up repairs or replacements covered by your policy.

Auto Insurance After a Deer Accident

Know your insurance coverage after hitting a deer to navigate the claims process and manage repair costs.

Verify your insurance coverage

Comprehensive car insurance generally covers damage caused by deer collisions, including vehicle repairs. However, if you have only liability or collision coverage, the damage may not be covered, as collision insurance applies only to accidents with other cars or inanimate objects. Confirm with your provider if your policy includes comprehensive coverage for wildlife-related incidents.

Understand the claim process

When filing a claim, be prepared to provide details such as the location, time and circumstances of the accident. Photos of the damage and accident scene can strengthen your claim. Your insurance company will review this information to determine coverage and initiate the repair or replacement process.

Know the impact on your premiums

Deer collisions are considered no-fault accidents and often don’t affect your insurance premiums. However, premium adjustments depend on your provider’s policies, state regulations and claims history, so it’s worth discussing this with your insurer.

Understand your deductible

Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the remaining costs. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $2,000, your insurance will pay $1,500. Review your deductible in advance to budget for potential repairs and decide whether filing a claim is financially beneficial, especially for minor damage.

FAQ: Deer Collisions

Understanding deer collision risks and safety measures helps you stay safer on the road. MoneyGeek answers frequently asked questions about preventing and handling deer accidents.

How many deer are hit by cars each day and each year?

Roughly 2.1 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year in the U.S., meaning about 5,753 deer are hit by cars daily. These collisions result in more than $10 billion in economic losses annually, as well as 59,000 human injuries and 440 fatalities.

What state has the most car accidents involving animals?

West Virginia has the most animal collisions, including deer accidents, with drivers facing a one-in-40 chance of a collision. Other states with high risks include Montana (one in 54), Michigan (one in 59) and Pennsylvania (one in 61). States like Nevada (one in 834), Hawaii (one in 775) and Alaska (one in 619) have the lowest risks.

When do most deer accidents occur?

Most deer accidents happen in autumn, especially during mating season from late October to early December. Dusk and dawn bring the highest risks when deer are more active and drivers' visibility drops. Full-moon nights see more collisions because deer travel farther.

Is it safer to hit a deer or swerve?

Hitting a deer is safer than swerving. Swerving causes you to lose control and risks colliding with other cars, trees or barriers. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Hitting the deer damages your vehicle but beats the alternatives.

How do you handle insurance after an animal collision?

After hitting a deer, contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Confirm your policy includes comprehensive coverage, which covers deer collisions. Share incident details and photos, then ask about the claims process. Your state might require reporting the collision to law enforcement or wildlife authorities.

Is hitting a deer an at-fault accident?

No. Hitting a deer counts as a no-fault accident. Comprehensive insurance covers the damage, and claims rarely affect your premiums. Some providers and state regulations have exceptions, so confirm with your insurer.

What are the financial and legal implications of hitting a deer?

Comprehensive insurance covers repair costs from hitting a deer, minus your deductible. Some states require accident reporting, especially if damage is significant or the deer blocks the road. Check local laws for compliance requirements.