Oh Deer! It's Peak Season for Deer-Car Collisions

It's that time of year; fall tends to bring increased deer collisions. There were 1.65 million animal collision claims in the U.S. between July 2025 and June 2026, slightly down from the previous year. Although deer-vehicle collisions are a year-round issue, keep in mind spring and fall are peak times for deer-related accidents. October through December is prime deer mating and migrating season, so drivers should be more alert driving in these months.  

Here are a few tips to help you avoid collisions with deer. And to check your collision coverage, reach out to Farm Bureau so you are prepared in case of an accident.  

Tips to Avoid Deer-Vehicle Collisions 

Before you hit the road, it pays to be extra alert for deer. Here are some things to consider as you get behind the wheel in the fall months:  

• Drive with caution. Drive with caution especially in marked deer-crossing zones and along roads surrounded by farmland or forests.
• Be alert during high travel times. Be especially attentive around dawn and dusk. Deer tend to be particularly active between 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• Use high beams. Make sure to use your high beams when possible for nighttime driving. High beams will better illuminate the deer’s eyes on or near the road.
• Know their behavior. Keep in mind that deer tend to travel in herds and in a single file. If you see one deer, there are likely more behind it.
• Be safe. Always wear your seat belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that of the 22,713 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, nearly 50 percent were not wearing seat belts. In contrast, they report seat belts used in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.

How to Stay In Control when you Encounter a Deer 

If you determine a crash is unavoidable, keep these in mind: 

• Don’t swerve. Stay in your lane so you don’t move into the path of another vehicle or lose control of yours.
• Brake. Be sure to brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel.
• Remain calm. Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop and take the appropriate necessary actions. Call the police to report the accident. Collision with a deer or another animal is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of your vehicle insurance.

Farm Bureau Financial Services to the Rescue 

If you collide with an animal or experience other car trouble, our Emergency Roadside Assistance can get you back on the road quickly. Add Emergency Roadside Assistance to your Farm Bureau Member’s Choice coverage, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing you have help 24/7, whether you’re traveling across the country or in your own driveway.