North Carolina Among States With Most Animal Collisions While Driving

North Carolina is reportedly among the U.S. states with the highest number of animal collisions while driving.

The Tar Heel state ranked 13th among all 50 states and was a "high risk" state in terms of odds of collision with animals, according to State Farm's annual study on animal-vehicle collision data. North Carolina drivers reportedly have 1 in 76 odds of getting into a collision with animals while driving.

The top 10 U.S. states with the highest risk for animal collisions are listed below:

1. West Virginia
2. Montana
3. Pennsylvania
4. South Dakota
5. Michigan
6. Wisconsin
7. Iowa
8. Mississippi
9. Minnesota
10. Wyoming

The numbers for the Tar Heel state match data from State Farm's 2019 study, which also reported North Carolina drivers had 1 in 76 odds and were at a "high risk" of being involved in an animal-vehicle collision.

State Farm releases its annual data in October, which is the beginning of peak animal collision season. An increase in crashes typically occurs during hunting and mating season, which takes place between October and December.

State Farms attributes the growing deer and animal populations, combined with the displacement of animal habitats, to the high number of animal-driver collisions.

The insurance provider suggests several tips to avoid collisions including: stay alert, use high beams, don't swerve, brake as necessary, remember peak season, remember meal time (between dusk and dawn), watch for herds, don't use a whistle and wear seat belts.

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