The fall season and upcoming hunting season is the major time for collisions with Deer and other animals.

According to a recent study from State Farm, most crashes involving an animal on the road happens between October and December.

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The majority (67%) are with Deer, followed by Dogs, cats, farm animals and large rodents. New York State is 12th in the USA for animal collision according to State Farm claims.

Drivers have a one in thirty-three chance of colliding with an animal from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

According to the insurance giant State farm had over 1.96 million animal collisions during the same time frame and paid out 10,845 auto claims for collisions with animals.

 

State Farm offers these Animal Collision Safety tips, especially when driving October through December.

  • Use extra caution and slow-down in known animal crossing zones.
  • Slow down. Reduce your vehicle's speed and maintain a constant lookout for animals. Travel at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights
  • Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate.
  • Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see an animal. Brake firmly when you notice an animal in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
  • Always wear your seatbelt. Safety belts saved an estimated 114,955 lives in 2017.

 

If you have a collision involving an animal State farm suggest you do the following

  • Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
  • Call police: If an animal is blocking traffic and could be create a threat for other drivers.
  • Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage.
  • Stay away from the animal: A frightened, wounded animal could use its legs and hooves to harm you. Do not attempt to move an animal.
  • Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazard.

Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim

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