Study: Virginia is Twelfth In Nation In Deer Collisions

Drivers are most likely to hit a deer in West Virginia over any other state, according to State Farm insurance.

State Farm used data from the Federal Highway Administration to compile its list. Virginia ranked it at number 12.

Deer collisions are most likely to take place during the deer mating season in October, November and December. The average property damage cost of these crashes was just over $2,950, up 2.5 percent from a year ago, according to State Farm. 

through controlled hunts.

Here are tips from State Farm on how to reduce the chances of a deer collision:

• Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.
• Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
• Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will 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 deer 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.