West Virginia Deer-Vehicle Collisions on the Rise

ERIE, Pa., Sept 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- ERIE | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Each year, deer-vehicle crashes cause more than 200 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, while racking up $1.1 billion in property damages. Based upon Erie Insurance's decade of deer-vehicle collision data, we estimate that about one in every 100 drivers is likely to have a collision with a deer. However, by being aware of the risks and following precautionary measures, drivers can reduce their likelihood of colliding with a deer.

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"Erie Insurance is the only insurance company using ten years' worth of deer claims to perform an in-depth annual analysis of deer-vehicle collisions," says Darrin Birtciel, rate analyst. "This helps us pinpoint when and where such collisions occur as well as plot trends."

This year's analysis revealed:

-- Overall deer claim frequency has gone down over the past 10 years. -- In fact, 2007 had the second lowest number of deer claims since 1998. -- Deer claim frequency is highest in West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Here in West Virginia, deer collisions have been on the rise for the last two years. In 2007, claims increased 11 percent. If you live in one of the following counties, you're about three times more likely to hit a deer than in other parts of the state.

-- Wirt -- Pleasants -- Calhoun -- Pocahontas

What's it like to hit a deer? Here's what Trina of Terra Alta had to say:

"I live in a pretty rural area and we have deer all over. I was driving up a small hill and around a slight curve at dusk when the deer jumped up onto the road from the embankment below. It jumped right into the path of my vehicle. Because I was coming around a bend and up a hill in the road, I didn't see it until it was too late. When I hit the deer, I was going about 35 to 40 mph -- well under the speed limit posted for the road.

"The speed and impact of my little car threw the deer up into the air, leaving me to think it was coming through my windshield for sure. I was terrified; I had my 4-month-old daughter in the backseat. Thankfully the deer did not come through the windshield, and the commotion didn't even wake her.

"When I got home, I teased my husband that I bagged a bigger buck than he did. God blessed me with an angel that day. I reported my claim the next day and had my car repaired soon after. Thank you, ERIE, for your superior coverage and service."

"By creating awareness of the dangers and safety precautions, we can help drivers avoid accidents and stay safe," adds Birtciel.

Do the 10-point buck: Erie Insurance, which has tracked deer claims for a decade, suggests bucking the deer-vehicle collision trend through these ten tips.

1. Stay alert, awake and sober. 2. Always wear your seatbelt and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions. 3. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. 4. Deliberately watch for deer -- including the reflection of deer eyes and deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road -- particularly when driving late at night or early in the morning. 5. Use high-beam headlights at night when there is no opposing traffic. 6. If you encounter a deer, assume nothing, slow down and blow your horn to urge the deer to leave the road. 7. If you see a deer in or near your path, brake firmly but stay in your lane. 8. Never swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer -- if a collision is imminent, hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. 9. If you do strike a deer, and are uncertain whether or not the deer is dead, keep your distance. 10. If the deer is blocking the roadway, contact the Game Commission or a local law enforcement agency.

For more information and resources, view our multimedia news release (www.erieinsurance.com/about/Multimedia_News_Releases/Deer_Safety_2008.aspx), which includes:

-- B-roll video with state-specific information -- Print-quality state maps, showing deer-vehicle claims by county -- Public service announcements -- Quotes -- High-resolution photos

According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 16th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 21st largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has over 3.9 million policies in force and operates in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group ranks 488 on the FORTUNE 500.

Most recently, Erie Insurance earned J.D. Power and Associates' award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Purchase Experience." This award recognizes the top rankings in J.D. Power's 2008 Insurance New Buyer Study, which assesses customers' experience in purchasing a new auto insurance policy. Visit us at auto.erieinsurance.com.

SOURCE Erie Insurance Group

http://auto.erieinsurance.com

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