IIHS Study: Deaths In Vehicle-Animal Crashes Up 50 Percent Since 2000

Chrissie Cole

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A new study finds automobile accidents with animals has more than doubled over the last 15 years.

The report by the Highway Loss Data Institute suggests that 223 people died in animal-vehicle accidents in 2007. That number is up from 150 accidents in 2000 and 101 accidents in 1993.

Indiana has had nearly 60 deaths in animal related car crashes since 1993. Kentucky had 47 and Illinois, 85. Texas had the greatest amount of deaths from crashes with 227.

The study found that insurance claims for crashes involving deer and other animals, is three times greater during the month of November that it is during the first 9 months of the year.

The study cites “urban sprawl” for the increase in crashes with animals.

Read the IIHS News Release.