How Many People Actually Hit A Deer In Montana While Driving?

It was just a couple of years ago that I finally became the victim of deer vs. car.

I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland that I loved, so of course it would happen when I finally had my "dream vehicle". I also know that growing up in the midwest, hitting a deer is something that is more possible than not. Open country, dark nights, I mean it's a dream scenario for animals of all sorts.

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What are the odds of you hitting a deer, or any animal for that matter, in Montana?

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the odds are definitely not in your favor. State Farm Insurance came out with a list of states with the worst odds of hitting an animal, and Montana came in 2nd.

There is a 1 in 44 chance, you will hit an animal while living and driving in Montana. The most common months for this to happen are October, November, and December. I will note, I believe it was November when I hit my first deer.

In fact, if you are traveling through the surrounding states, your odds of hitting a deer don't really get any better. North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho are all considered "high risk" or "medium risk" for the odds of hitting an animal.

State Farm Insurance gave these tips to avoid hitting an animal on the road:

• Stay alert. Pay attention to "deer crossing" and "wildlife crossing" signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.
• Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on an animal in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.
• Don't swerve. If a car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don't veer off the road.
• Brake as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn, and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.
• Remember peak season. Animal collisions happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
• Remember meal time. Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.
• Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.
• Don't use a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.
• Wear seat belts. Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.

You can read about other states that are on the list and where they rank HERE.

cc: State Farm Insurance