Hawai‘i Drivers Least Likely to Hit Deer Nationwide

A new State Farm study indicates that the likelihood of hitting a deer in Hawai‘i is the lowest in the nation. Nationally, odds of needing to file an insurance claim from hitting a deer, elk or moose went down slightly compared to last year’s estimates.

However, Hawai‘i drivers are not out of the woods, as the chances of hitting a deer on the islands increased over last year.

Maui residents are especially susceptible due to the island’s population of axis deer.

These crashes can be costly for drivers with a national average cost per claim of $4,341.85.

Nationally, there is a 1/167 chance of striking a deer but that likelihood more than doubles during October, November and December when collisions are most prevalent.

For the twelfth year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of states where a collision with deer is most likely.

Hawai‘i rounds out the bottom of the list also for the twelfth year in a row.

The top five states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer are West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Iowa.

The study doesn’t indicate the likelihood of hitting wild pigs which may impact Hawai‘i more than other states.

Hawai‘i – Low Risk State by the Numbers:

• 2017-18 Likelihood of Collision With Deer 1 in 6,379
• 2017-18 State Ranking 51
• 2016-17 Likelihood of Collision With Deer 1 in 6,823
• 2016-17 State Ranking 51
• Percentage Change In Likelihood 7.0% Increase
• Number of Hawaii Licensed Drivers 931,703

The annual deer collision report can be viewed online.

Deer Collision Quick Tips

• Stay alert and keep your eyes up. Pay attention to “deer crossing” signs. Scan down the road and off to each side. Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water. If you see one deer, there are probably others nearby.
• Be especially vigilant during peak season. Collisions can happen any time of year, but fall is peak time for crashes because it’s both hunting and mating seasons, forcing deer to roam outside their normal territory.
• Watch out at mealtime. Between dusk and dawn animals usually venture out to eat.
• If you hit a deer move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, then position yourself and any other people involved in the crash in a safe location until help arrives.
• Never approach an injured animal. A hurt, scared animal poses serious threats to people. Only those with special training should attempt to help. Do not take the animal home or try and dispose of it yourself.  In some states you may obtain a road kill possession and/or salvage permit. Know the laws in your state. Most often you can find these with the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Natural Resources.