Iowa Is One Of The Most Dangerous States For Deer Collisions

I once had a history teacher who would always say  "Make sure you watch out for deer" at the end of our class, and while most of us couldn't drive at the time, it is a phrase that stuck with me.

When driving in Iowa, and other Midwestern states, the thought of deer running out of nowhere is always on our mind.

State Farm has a study that shows just how likely you are to hit a deer in your state. Iowa ranked in the top 10.

Iowa's 2021-2022 State Ranking For Deer Collisions

Iowa came in right at 10th place when it came to the state ranking for deer collisions. This is in between Minnesota which ranked 9th, and North Dakota in the 11 spots.

The Animals

The top 5 animal collisions reported by State Farm were as follows:

The growing deer and other animal populations, combined with the displacement of animal habitats, are making it more dangerous on the road, and making driver crashes more likely.

1. Deer
2. Unidentified animals
3. Rodents
4. Dogs
5. Raccoons.

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2021-2022 Likelihood of Collision with Animals In Iowa

West Virginia ranked first when looking at the likelihood of a collision with animals. There is a 1 in 37 chance of it happening.

North Dakota sees a 1 in 62 chance of a likelihood of a collision with animals. While Minnesota saw a 1 in 58.

Iowa has a 1 in 59  likelihood of a collision with animals.

Our brother state, Illinois has a 1 in 137 chance... so they are looking pretty good in at 36th place.

Tips to avoid animals on the road According To State Farm

• 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.