Warning to Montana Drivers: How To Avoid Deer Collisions

With cooler temperatures and snow at higher elevations, deer are on the move. Hitting a deer with your vehicle can cause major damage, so Montanans need to be on the lookout.

According to a new study, you're most likely to hit a deer during the month of November, but there's always a risk due to Montana's large population of wild animals.

How Likely Are You to Hit a Deer While Driving in Montana?

According to an annual ranking by State Farm, Montana ranks #2 in the country when it comes to the likelihood of hitting a deer. Montanans have a 1 in 54 chance of having an insurance claim involving a collision with an animal.

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The only state in the U.S. ranked higher than Montana is West Virginia, where the odds of hitting a deer are 1 in 40.

State Farm also has some tips for to avoid animals in the road:

• Stay alert: Pay attention to "deer crossing" and “wildlife crossing” signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.
• Use high beams: Flicking your high beams on an animal in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.
• Don't swerve: If a car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don’t veer off the road.
• Brake as necessary: If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn, and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.
• Remember peak season: Animal collisions happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
• Remember meal time: Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.
• Watch for herds: If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.
• Don't use a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.
• Wear seat belts: Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.

November has the most animal-related crashes, followed by October, State Farm said.

Too see how other states ranked, click here.