Collisions between vehicles and animals, mostly deer, occur in the months of October, November and December. This is not a surprise to hunters who are aware of the whitetail deer runt and the hunting seasons at this time of the year.

Pennsylvania has been rated as the number one state for collisions between vehicles and animals according to State Farm’s annual animal/deer collision research report.

Vehicle drivers in the state of Pennsylvania filed collision claims for just over 155, 000 animal collisions from July 2020 to June 2021. Other states in the top 10 were from number 2 through 10:  Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Minnesota, Missouri and South Carolina.  

States neighboring Pennsylvania ranked as follows:  New York - 11, West Virginia - 17, Maryland - 21, New Jersey - 32 and Delaware-36.

Pennsylvania vehicle drivers also have a better than average chance of colliding with an animal while driving. National statistics show that Pennsylvania drivers have a 1 in 58 chance, while the national average is 1 in 116.

West Virginia is the riskiest state for collision, with a 1 in 35 chance of colliding with an animal. 

Nationally, the insurance industry paid for an estimated 1.9 million animal collisions over the past 12 months, from July 2021 to June 2022. About 69% of the claims, about 1.3 million involved a deer collision, but many other animals were involved in accidents, including dogs, cats, farm animals and rodents.

The insurance companies advises drivers to slow down to a speed that will allow them to stop if an animal emergency is on the roadway. They also advise drivers to use extra caution and slow down even more in known animal - crossing zones.

Dusk to Dawn are high risk times. Use high beams when appropriate. Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see an animal. Brake firmly when you notice an animal in or near your path but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.

Henry Repeating Arms Donates $50,000!

Henry Repeating Arms President Andy Wickstrom presented a $50,000 check to the American Legion at its national convention this year.

Wickstrom said, “Henry Repeating Arms believes in the American Legion’s principles and mission of strengthening America by upholding American values, fostering patriotism, giving back, and we respect their many extraordinary accomplishments. Thank you to all who have served, and to those who are currently serving. We are forever indebted to you and the sacrifices you have made.” 

Henry Repeating Arms also made a pledge of $1 million to highlight the company’s charitable donations. This pledge will benefit individual families of sick children going through treatments, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations supporting military veterans, first responders, law enforcement, wildlife conservation, hunting and shooting sports education, and Second Amendment advocacy.