Watch Out! It's Deer Season: A Guide for Safe Driving

Understanding the Risks of Deer Collisions

Updated October 2026

October and November are exciting months. They bring opportunities for hunters to venture into the wild and bag trophy-worthy deer. However, these months also signal a dangerous time for drivers. Deer season is not just about hunting; it’s a time when deer-vehicle collisions spike. In this article, I will share important statistics about these collisions and offer tips to help you avoid the risks associated with them.

Missouri frequently ranks among the top states for deer-vehicle collisions. Missouri drivers have a 1 in 80 chance of colliding with an animal, according to MSHP, 22.4% of traffic crashes involving deer in 2025 occurred in urban areas.

In 2025, Missouri recorded 2,829 traffic crashes involving deer, averaging one deer strike every 3.1 hours. Those crashes resulted in six deaths and 435 injuries reported. Missouri ranked 15th in the country in deer-vehicle collisions last year, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. (link)

In 2025, one person was killed and 692 people were injured in the 10,742 deer-vehicle crashes on Kansas roadway. Across the state, 40% of all single-vehicle crashes in 2025 involved a collision with a deer. (link)

AAA insurance statistics reveal that the average claim in Kansas for an animal strike in 2025 was almost $7,900 – up 42% in the past five years. This increase is largely due to advanced vehicle technology, such as cameras and sensors, which drives up repair costs.

Deer are particularly active during the fall season due to the rut, a time of mating and breeding. Consequently, deer strikes are most common between October and November.

State Farm ranks Missouri No. 10 in likelihood of a driver colliding with an animal, based on 2023 data, according to the Springfield News Leader.

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reports that the average claim severity for animal-strike collisions (including deer) in Missouri was about US $5,116. (link)

What to Expect from Deer Collisions

Average Deer Collision Claims

The average deer collision claim is around $4,600. Deer claims fall under Comprehensive coverage, which pays for theft, wind, and various other damages not related to collisions (check your policy for a complete list of covered perils). According to State Farm Insurance, accidents involving deer often result in damages averaging $4,341 per claim. November typically sees the highest claims, with the average being around $4,600.

Common Auto Damage from Hitting a Deer

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the front end of the vehicle is the most commonly damaged area in deer collisions (87%). Other impacts may occur on the driver side (7%), passenger side (5%), or, rarely, the rear of the vehicle (1%). Deer usually come from either side of the roadway or may occasionally stand in the middle of the road. They may also be moving at the time of an accident, which can lead to damage to the roof or windows.

A 2014 study found that different vehicle models experienced varying levels of damage in deer collisions.

The Top 5 Vehicles for Best Insurance Deer Damage Claims:

• Jeep Wrangler 2-Door – 4WD

• Jeep Wrangler 4-Door – 4WD

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup - Crew Cab

• Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Acura TL 4WD

  
  

The Top 5 Vehicles for Worst Deer Damage Claims:

• Hyundai Elantra GT

• Toyota Prius c hybrid

• Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD

• Audi Q7 4WD

• Subaru Impreza 4WD

  
  

(Information derived from data compiled from 2011-2013 models).

Overall, claims severity and frequency relate directly to vehicle types. Cars have the highest frequency of collisions, while luxury cars often incur the most severe damage. SUVs tend to have the lowest severity. With this in mind, car shoppers should research and consider which vehicles perform best, especially in rural areas with large deer populations. (Status Report; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; 11-6-2014; Volume 49, Number 9)

Insurance Losses by Make and Model

These tables contain results for hundreds of passenger vehicles grouped by class and size under six insurance coverages: collision, property damage liability, comprehensive, personal injury protection, medical payment and bodily injury. These results include all insurance claims not deer alone. (link)

How to Avoid Collisions with Deer

Risk management for deer collisions involves awareness of the hazards associated with deer and strategies to avoid becoming a victim of an accident.

Speed Matters

When traveling in areas marked with warning signs, slow down and adhere to the posted speed limit. Braking time is crucial for avoiding animals that may dart out in front of your vehicle.

Be on the Lookout for Animals

Most collision accidents occur due to a lack of alertness. Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of deer standing by the roadside. You can spot deer from a distance by observing their shining eyes in the dark. Engaging passengers to help watch for deer can also be beneficial—more eyes mean better chances of spotting them.

Watch the Clock and Calendar for Deer

Deer are typically most active from 6-9 PM, a time when visibility decreases. Dawn and dusk are also critical times to be cautious. Additionally, certain seasons have a higher potential for accidents. Early fall is particularly active due to mating season, but springtime also sees increased movement as deer may be transporting their new babies.

Turn on Your Bright Lights

Bright lights can significantly enhance visibility while driving. Be sure to use them, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.

Remember the Herd Rule

If you see one deer, there are likely more nearby. Slow down and stay alert, as other deer may follow closely behind.

Use Your Horn

Deer can become mesmerized by headlights. If you see a deer that appears frozen in fear, try honking your horn or flashing your lights to snap it out of its trance. Many motorists mistakenly believe they are safe to pass a stationary deer, only to find that the deer can suddenly move.

Control Yourself

If you find yourself in the direct path of a moving deer, remember that overreacting and swerving can lead to more severe consequences. While your instinct may be to avoid a collision, swerving can result in hitting other objects, such as trees or oncoming traffic, causing more serious damage and injuries. Instead, apply your brakes evenly and let up just before impact. Slamming on the brakes can cause the front of your vehicle to dip, increasing the likelihood of the deer rolling onto the windshield.

Lean Toward the Door

If you collide with a deer or another large animal, lean toward your door rather than the center of the vehicle to avoid potential injury from broken glass. Do not approach or touch the animal in the road. Instead, pull off the roadway and contact local law enforcement to file a report. Most insurance companies require a police report for claims purposes.

Be sure to share this knowledge with young drivers, as deer accidents are most common among individuals aged 16-24.

For more tips on avoiding wildlife collisions, check out this link.

Regardless of how you choose to address and mitigate the risks of deer collisions, take a moment to reach out to your insurance agent and review your coverage. Stay alert, drive safely, and steer clear of those deer. We are here to assist you today.