You drive past the yellow deer crossing signs on your commute, but what are the odds you'll actually hit a deer?
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According to State Farm's latest study, the odds of drivers filing a claim for hitting a deer, elk or moose in Georgia between 2016 and 2017 was 1 in 122. Georgia is considered a high-risk state.
Analysts compiled claims data and state licensed driver counts from the Federal Highway Administration between July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 and calculated the chances American motorists would strike one of the animals during that time period.
Last year, Georgia ranked 19th nationally in State Farm's Likelihood of Collision with Deer study, up from No. 21 three years ago.
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The numbers also indicate a 3.28 percent increase from the previous year, when the odds of drivers filing a claim from hitting either animal was 1 in 126.
According to State Farm, the likelihood of colliding with a large animal like a deer, elk or moose more than doubles in October, November and December because it's deer mating season.
It's especially dangerous out there for Gwinnett residents.
Tthis AJC interactive shows where Gwinnett accidents happened between 2012-14, when the county led the metro area in the number of deer-vehicle collisions, with 1,082 reported during those years.
And according to recent reports from the Washington Post, elk attacks are on the rise amid the 2018 calving season. In fact, there have been two reports of cow elk attacks at Yellowstone National Park in just three days.
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The elk, fiercely protective of their babies, used their legs and hoofs to send two women to the hospital. Park officials don’t know whether the same elk and the same calf are involved in both cases.
Not only are deer collisions dangerous, they're expensive, too.
The national average cost per claim for 2016-17 was $4,179, up from $3,995 the year prior.
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Here are the top five states with the most deer collisions:
- West Virginia, 1 in 43
- Montana, 1 in 57
- Pennsylvania, 1 in 63
- Iowa, 1 in 69
- South Dakota, 1 in 73
- Slow down, especially around dusk and dawn.
- If you see one deer, you'll probably see another.
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs.
- Always wear your seat belts.
- Use high beams to see farther, but not when there's oncoming traffic.
- Brake if you can, but avoid swerving.
- Stay focused on the road.
- Avoid distractions like eating or using your phone.
- Don't rely on products like deer whistles.
- If you're riding a motorcycle, wear protective gear.
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- Move your vehicle to a safe place.
- Call the police.
- Document the incident.
- Stay away from the animal.
- Contact your State Farm agent.
- Don't assume your vehicle is safe to drive.
