Idaho drivers more likely to hit a deer this year

The odds of an Idaho driver hitting a deer is bigger than last year. According to numbers from State Farm, it’s nearly 18 percent more likely a driver will hit a deer.

When it comes to handling deer-related accidents, State Farm agent Summer Jackman considers herself lucky.

“I haven’t had any that have been too terrible,” Jackman said. “I do know other cases where there have been fatalities.”

Having been an agent for the past eight years in Pocatello, she said this time of year is always a time to start being more aware of deer on the road.

According to State Farm, a driver’s odds of hitting a deer increased from 1 in 172 to 1 in 146, which translates into a 17.8 percent increase. State Farm looked at its claims data and state licensed driver counts from the Federal Highway Administration to get these results.

Martha Wackenhut, wildlife biologist for Idaho Fish and Game, said Pocatello’s deer population has created a unique situation for drivers in the area.

“We have a high, year-round resident deer herd. That creates an issue with deer collisions year-round,” Wackenhut said.

Her advice: Be on the lookout, be more aware, and most important, slow down in areas with deer crossing signs.

When you do see a deer on the road, she said, “Don’t just assume that the one deer that you see in the middle of the road is the only deer there. Slow down enough or stop long enough that you can make sure all the deer in that area have crossed the road or are not going to cross the road.”

There have been 21 deer-related collisions in Bannock County since the beginning of 2015, according to the sheriff’s office.