Texas Leads States in Deaths from Deer Collisions

For the majority of hunters November is the start of deer hunting season in Texas and the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) wants to remind drivers to be careful to avoid collisions with deer. Tragically, more than 100 people are killed each year from collisions with animals and Texas leads all states with the most deaths in collisions with animals.

From 2004 through 2013, there were 180 deaths in Texas resulting from animal/vehicle crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Data Loss Institute (HDLI). The state with the second highest number of fatalities from animal/vehicle collisions during that time period was Wisconsin with 121.

Most collisions do not result in death but can still cause significant damage to vehicles, the ICT said. A 70 mile per hour collision with a deer can cause major damage to any automobile from a crushed front end and punctured radiator to extensive hood, front windshield and roof damage.

The number of insurance claims for crashes involving animals is almost three times higher in November than any other month and the average damage claim cost exceeds $4,000, according to the HLDI.

The Llano County Sheriff’s Office in Texas says during deer season, which for most hunters begins this weekend, it’s not uncommon to see up to five auto/deer collisions a day.

Sources: ICT, I.I.I., HDLI

Topics Texas