PA leads nation in animal collision claims. Here’s Centre County’s deer hotspot
Autumn is well underway, the clocks have turned back and the risk of deer collisions is the highest it will be all year.
While Centre County, for its population, is low on collisions with deer compared to the state as a whole — 49th out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, based on a five-year average — some parts of the county see more activity than others.
About 14% of reported deer collisions in Centre County over the past five years have taken place on 10 miles of Interstate 99, according to a Centre Daily Times analysis of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data.
Patton Township, the third most populous of the county’s municipalities, leads in deer accidents with 55 since 2020, 37 of which occurred on its 5-mile stretch of the interstate. Worth Township, which is diagonal to Patton and only 700 people strong, is second at 35 collisions, with 20 accidents occurring on its 5-mile portion of the interstate.
Worth Township’s stretch runs from mile markers 60 to 65 and has a wildlife crossing. Patton spans mile markers 67 to 72.5. The busy artery connecting the area to Penn State is sandwiched between nearby state game lands, Bald Eagle Mountain and human development in both municipalities, with speed limits up to 70 mph.
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react, and commutes coincide with dawn and dusk — when deer are most active — due to daylight saving time. Those factors, combined with the peak of the deer mating season, make November the riskiest month for animal collisions, according to State Farm. The insurance agency said Pennsylvania is first in the nation for animal collision claims.
PennDOT noted in a press release deer often travel in groups and walk single file; one deer crossing the road could mean more close behind. The agency recommends drivers keep their hands off their screens or radio and to increase the distance between themselves and other vehicles.
Statewide, the Pennsylvania Wilds and Erie areas have the highest density of deer-related crashes in the commonwealth. Forest County has the most at more than 19 crashes per 10,000 residents, compared to five for Centre. In Central Pennsylvania, Juniata County has the highest density of deer crashes at almost 16 per 10,000 residents.
How to stay safe on the road this autumn
- Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Set up your music and GPS before your drive.
- Pay close attention during dawn and dusk, especially in posted deer crossing areas.
- One deer often means more are nearby. If you see one, look for others.
- Avoid swerving and brake firmly if you see a dear near your path. This helps prevent collisions with other vehicles or loss of control of your vehicle.
