Govind Tekale
New data shows a slight drop in animal-vehicle collisions, but the fall season continues to be the most dangerous time for both wildlife and drivers on American roads.
State Farm’s latest report estimates 1.7 million auto insurance claims from animal collisions between July 2024 and June 2025, down from 1.8 million the previous year. Deer remain the biggest concern, accounting for more than 1.1 million of these incidents.
The October-to-December window is particularly hazardous, representing about 650,000 claims or 41% of the annual total. This fall spike coincides with deer mating and migration seasons, when animals are more active and often crossing roads during dawn and dusk hours when visibility is poorest.
West Virginia continues to top the risk chart with odds of 1 in 40 for drivers hitting an animal. Montana (1 in 53), Wisconsin (1 in 58), Michigan (1 in 61), and Pennsylvania (1 in 62) round out the highest-risk states. Despite having slightly better odds, Pennsylvania leads the nation with an estimated 147,000 industry claims, followed by Michigan with approximately 126,000.
The safest driving states for avoiding animal collisions are Nevada (1 in 966), Hawaii (1 in 907), Washington D.C. (1 in 794), Alaska (1 in 661), and Arizona (1 in 577).
Beyond vehicle damage, these collisions create a significant public safety problem. Federal Highway Administration data shows wildlife-vehicle crashes cause approximately 200 human deaths and 26,000 injuries annually, with costs exceeding $8 billion in medical expenses, property damage, and related expenses.
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The federal government has recognized this problem by establishing the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative allocates $350 million over five years (2022-2026) to fund wildlife crossing structures across the country. Already, $235 million has been awarded in two rounds of funding to projects in over 30 states.
Wildlife crossings—bridges and underpasses that allow animals to safely cross highways—have proven remarkably effective. When properly designed and placed, these structures can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80-97%. For example, crossings along State Highway 9 in Colorado reduced such incidents by 90% over a five-year period.
“Wildlife crossings paired with fencing can dramatically reduce the danger for both animals and motorists,” explains Peter Hallsten, a Wyoming Department of Transportation engineer who has witnessed the transformation at Trappers Point, where an $11 million project with two wildlife overpasses and six underpasses has virtually eliminated what was once a collision hotspot.
Drivers should exercise extra caution during fall months by scanning road edges, using high beams when appropriate, slowing down in known animal crossing areas, and avoiding the instinct to swerve when seeing animals. Safety experts emphasize that braking firmly while staying in your lane is safer than swerving, which often leads to more serious crashes.
If a collision does occur, drivers should pull to a safe spot, turn on hazard lights, document the scene, stay away from injured animals, check their vehicle for damage, and contact their insurance company promptly. Comprehensive insurance coverage typically handles animal collision claims after the deductible.
