Deer-mating season is in full swing and the chances of striking a deer with your vehicle are rising as well. In Oklahoma in 2011, the latest year for which statistics are available, there were 467 reported crashes involving deer. They resulted in two fatalities and 184 people injured, according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. In addition, the OHSO reports:
- 60 percent of these deer-involved motor vehicle crashes occurred at night;
- 73 percent took place in an area not built up;
- 95 percent involved deer and one vehicle;
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 1 million vehicle crashes with deer each year. These collisions typically kill about 200 Americans, cause more than 10,000 personal injuries, and result in $1 billion in vehicle damage.
In Oklahoma last year, AAA Insurance reports a total of 234 auto claims that were identified as animal-related, averaging $3,426 per claim.
These types of collisions occur most often in November but are also prevalent in October and December. And as the days get shorter, drivers are more likely to be on the road at dawn and dusk, which are times of high animal activity.