SEATTLE - Deer and vehicle collisions in Washington state have increased 15 percent in the last five years, according to State Farm Insurance.
The Insurance Highway Institute for Highway Safety says there are about 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year in America, causing more than 150 fatalities. Collisions are most frequent in October, November and December.
State Farm estimates the chances of a car colliding with a deer in Washington state in the next year are 1 in 516. The estimate comes from deer claims data from the last half of 2007 and first half of 2008, as well as motor vehicle registration counts by the state Federal Highway Administration.
West Virginia is the state where deer-vehicle collisions are most common, with the probability of a vehicle hitting a deer in the next year at 1 in 45, according to State Farm.
Deer-vehicle collisions are least likely in Hawaii.
The agency offers tips on reducing the chance of a deer-vehicle collision:
-Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.
-Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
-Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.
-Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds - if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.
-Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles. They don't work.
-If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you
