Each year, there are approximately 500,000 deer-auto collisions nationwide, resulting in over 100 deaths and thousands of injuries.
Accidents involving deer are the third most frequent type of collision that occurs in Indiana.
According to the latest available statistics from Indiana State Police, there were 10,779 deer-auto crashes in 1998. This figure is an increase of more than 500 from the previous year. The state police reported three fatalities and 365 personal injury incidences as a result of the collisions. A deer can do a great deal of damage to a vehicle, said Steve Williams, president of the Insurance Institute of Indiana. Drivers should be wary, particularly while traveling in areas frequented by deer.