One in 100 drivers likely to hit a deer

ERIE, Pa., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Officials at an insurance company estimate that about one in every 100 U.S. drivers is likely to have a collision with a deer.

Erie Insurance of Erie, Pa., determined each year U.S. deer-vehicle collisions cause more than 200 deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and cost $1.1 billion in property damages, Darrin Birtciel, rate analyst at Erie Insurance said.

Deer claim frequency is highest in West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Last year, the frequency of New York deer claims rose and for those who live in Wyoming, Allegany, Yates, Chenango, Lewis and Sullivan Counties, are more than twice as likely to collide with a deer than in other parts of the state.

Erie Insurance suggests bucking the deer-vehicle collision trend by:

-- Not relying on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.

-- Watch for deer -- including the reflection of deer eyes and deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road -- particularly when driving late at night or early in the morning.

-- If you encounter a deer, slow down and blow your horn.

-- Never swerve to avoid striking a deer -- if a collision is imminent, hit it while maintaining full control of the vehicle.