Texas Leads States in Deaths from Deer Collisions
For the majority of Texas hunters November is the start of deer hunting season – a dangerous time for deer and drivers, alike.
More than 100 people are killed nationally each year from collisions with animals and among states Texas leads the way, the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) reported.
From 2004 through 2013, there were 180 deaths in Texas resulting from animal/vehicle crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Data Loss Institute (HDLI). The state with the second highest number of such fatalities was Wisconsin with 121 during that time.
Most collisions do not result in death but can still cause significant damage to vehicles, the ICT said. The average damage claim cost exceeds $4,000, according to the HLDI.
The Llano County Sheriff’s Office in Texas says during the season it’s not uncommon to see up to five auto/deer collisions a day in deer hunting country.