Pennsylvania Deer-Vehicle Collisions Down Slightly

ERIE - Each year, deer-vehicle crashes cause more than 200 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, while racking up $1.1 billion in property damages. Based upon Erie Insurance's decade of deer-vehicle collision data, we estimate that about one in every 100 drivers is likely to have a collision with a deer. However, by being aware of the risks and following precautionary measures, drivers can reduce their likelihood of colliding with a deer.

"Erie Insurance is the only insurance company using ten years' worth of deer claims to perform an in-depth annual analysis of deer-vehicle collisions," says Darrin Birtciel, rate analyst. "This helps us pinpoint when and where such collisions occur as well as plot trends."

This year's analysis revealed:

-- Overall deer claim frequency has gone down over the past 10 years.
-- In fact, 2007 had the second lowest number of deer claims since 1998.
-- Deer claim frequency is highest in West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania
and Virginia.

Here in Pennsylvania, deer-vehicle collisions decreased slightly last year. However, it's still one of the top Erie Insurance states for deer claims.

Two of the most dangerous days to drive in Pennsylvania - in terms of deer - are Monday, December 1 and Saturday, December 6, the opening day and opening Saturday of hunting season. If you live in Potter County, you're more than three times as likely to hit a deer; and in Sullivan County, you're more than four times as likely to hit a deer.

What's it like to hit a deer? Here's what Daniel of Bloomsburg had to say:

"It was November and my wife and I had been at a fund-raising event in another town. On the way home we stopped by our mechanic's garage to pick up our other car that had been repaired. My wife was following me home in that car. It was midnight, and I remember thinking how there was very little traffic.

"Then, in a split second, my car shook and deer antlers came through the windshield. A buck had hit my driver's side mirror. I was in a slight state of shock as I pulled over to the side of the road with glass in my mouth and eyes. My wife came up to the side of the car and asked if I was okay. I was just shocked. I could not open the car door, but fortunately we were only 3/4 of a mile from home. The damage was about $4,500 to our 1998 Subaru Outback."

"By creating awareness of the dangers and safety precautions, we can help drivers avoid accidents and stay safe," adds Birtciel.

Do the 10-point buck: Erie Insurance, which has tracked deer claims for a decade, suggests bucking the deer-vehicle collision trend through these ten tips.

1. Stay alert, awake and sober.

2. Always wear your seatbelt and drive at a safe, sensible speed for
conditions.

3. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors
to deter deer.

4. Deliberately watch for deer - including the reflection of deer eyes and
deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road - particularly when driving
late at night or early in the morning.

5. Use high-beam headlights at night when there is no opposing traffic.

6. If you encounter a deer, assume nothing, slow down and blow your horn to
urge the deer to leave the road.

7. If you see a deer in or near your path, brake firmly but stay in your
lane.

8. Never swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer - if a collision is
imminent, hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle.

9. If you do strike a deer, and are uncertain whether or not the deer is
dead, keep your distance.

10. If the deer is blocking the roadway, contact the Game Commission or a
local law enforcement agency.