JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – State Farm has just released its most recent 2014-15 claims data that shows Florida is in the top five least likely states for drivers to have a collision with a deer.
Data shows that the odds Florida drivers will have a claim from hitting one of those animals is 1 in 930, placing Florida (ranked 46th) in the top five least likely states for deer collisions.
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While this is good news about the overall safety of Florida roads, Florida drivers should be aware that with the official start of fall next week (Sept. 23), the odds of hitting a deer more than doubles during October, November and December.
And with many Floridians planning on heading to the mountains to see fall color, they should be aware that chances of hitting a deer increases dramatically as they drive through the states to the north.
Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina all fall in the top 20 states most likely to have a deer collision.
The following driving tips could help:
- Use extra caution in known deer zones
- Always wear your seatbelt
- At night, when there is no oncoming traffic, use high beams
- Avoid swerving when you see a deer
- Scan the road for deer and other danger signs
- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles
And here are some deer facts that all drivers should know:
- Deer are on all roads
- Deer are unpredictable
- Deer often move in groups
- Deer movement is most prevalent in the fall
- The hours between dusk and dawn are high risk times
For ,pre national and state data, images and safety tips, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7493131-state-farm-safe-driving.