PassportOct 5, 2017 | By: Haydee Clotter
Chances Of Hitting A Deer In Minnesota Are High
By living in Minnesota the chances of you hitting a deer with your vehicle are 1 in 74, according to a State Farm Insurance annual deer claim study.
Minnesota is considered a high risk state for deer and vehicle collisions and is No. 7 in overall state rankings. North Dakota was No. 10 and West Virginia claimed the top spot.
Courtesy: State Farm
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 2,141 deer/vehicle traffic crashes in 2015, which resulted in six fatalities and 345 injuries.
The national claim cost per claim average from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 was $4,179 up from $3,995 in 2015-2016.
Here are the total number of crashes in a few other counties.
Aitkin: 22
Beltrami: 30
Crow Wing: 28
Dakota: 158
Hennepin: 146
Hubbard: 14
Itasca: 15
Red Lake: 0
Stearns: 133
Some tips to help keep drivers safe include:
- Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn.
- If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road.
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs.
- Always buckle up – every trip, every time.
- Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic.
- Brake if you can, but avoid swerving. This can result in a more severe crash.
- Remain focused on the road. Scan for hazards, including animals.
- Avoid distractions. Devices or eating might cause you to miss seeing an animal.
- Do not rely on products such as deer whistles. They are not proven effective.
- If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear. Keep focus on the road ahead.
State Farm has conducted the survey for 15 years and says the months when most U.S. drivers had a collision with a deer were Nov., Oct., and then Dec.
For more information on this survey visit State Farm.
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