Watch out for roadside wildlife!

State Farm data shows increased risk in autumn and spring of collisions with deer and moose

Aurora, Ontario.  October 05, 2011.  – The onset of winter and the spring breeding season are the two most dangerous times for spotting deer, moose, and other wildlife on Canadian roadways.

State Farm has released comprehensive data indicating deer and vehicle collisions have fallen 7 percent in the United States. For more information please see - http://www.statefarm.com/aboutus/_pressreleases/2011/october/3/us-deer-collisions-fall.asp.

In Canada, a recent Transport Canada report found that between four to eight large animal vehicle collisions take place every hour. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources estimates there is a motor vehicle-wild animal collision every 38 minutes and approximately 1 out of every 5 motor vehicle collisions involves a wild animal. And more than 300 New Brunswickers are involved in a moose-vehicle collision every year.

Wildlife collisions are more frequent during the deer migration and mating season in October and November. The combination of growing wildlife populations and the displacement of habitat caused by urban sprawl are producing increasingly hazardous conditions for motorists.

“State Farm has a long history of supporting auto safety,” said John Bordignon, State Farm Media Relations. “Calling attention to potential hazards like this is part of our DNA. The best way to avoid wildlife-vehicle collisions is to be aware of your surroundings, heed warning signs, and through attentive driving behavior.”

When do deer-vehicle collisions occur?

State Farm’s U.S. data shows that November, the heart of the deer migration and mating season, is the month during which deer-vehicle encounters are most likely. More than 18 percent of all such mishaps take place during the 30 days of November.

Deer-vehicle collisions are three times more likely to occur on a day in November than they are on any day between February 1st and August 31st. October is the second most likely month for a crash involving a deer and a vehicle.

The average property damage cost of these incidents during the final half of 2010 and the first half of 2011 was $3,171, up 2.2 percent from the year before.

How to reduce the chances of a wildlife-vehicle collision

• Scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder. When you see wildlife beside the road, slow down and pass carefully as they may suddenly bolt onto the road.
• Be aware of posted wildlife crossing signs. These are placed in active crossing areas.
• Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m. and 5 and 7 a.m.
• Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which wildlife enter roadways.
• Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds – if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.
• Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.
• If a collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Take extra care on roads that cross creeks, rivers, wooded areas, or run alongside open fields.

If you see an animal on the road

• Honk your horn in a series of short bursts.
• Use four-way flashers to warn other drivers.
• At night, blink your headlights.
• If an animal is in your way, brake hard but never swerve.

About State Farm®

State Farm has been serving Canadians since 1938. State Farm and its affiliates are the fourth largest auto insurance provider, and the seventh largest property and casualty insurer in Canada. In addition to providing affordable car insurance rates, State Farm has more than 540 Canadian agents and 1300 employees providing insurance and financial services including mutual funds, life insurance, vehicle loans, critical illness, disability, home and auto insurance to our customers in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. For more information, please visit statefarm.ca, join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or see us on YouTube.