INDIANA — The total number of reported deer-vehicle collisions across Indiana increased significantly in 2023, rising to 16,951 from 15,854 the previous year. This surge in accidents cost drivers an estimated $103.2 million in vehicle damage alone, continuing a costly trend that has totaled more than $448 million between 2018 and 2023.
The increase pushed the standardized collision rate, measured as deer-vehicle collisions per billion miles traveled, to 206, a 5.7% rise from 2022.
Local Impact: Lawrence County Crashes
The problem is particularly acute in Southern Indiana counties, such as Lawrence County, which averages around 100 deer-vehicle crashes per year.
These localized numbers, collected by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), are essential for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to analyze deer populations and determine local wildlife management strategies.
Analysis of the 2023 data showed clear patterns in where and when these costly accidents are occurring:
- Road Type: The majority of collisions occurred on state roads (34.8%) and county roads (30.8%). U.S. Routes, however, had the highest density of accidents, reporting 91 DVC per 100 miles of road.
- Time of Year: Nearly 50% of all collisions took place in the four-month window between September and December, coinciding with the deer rut (mating season).
- Time of Day: Accidents are most frequent during dawn and dusk, hours when deer are most active and driver visibility is low.
Compared to 2022, collisions during January, February, and September saw the most notable increases, rising by 28.8%, 27.7%, and 13.4%, respectively.
Deer Management, Permits, and Safety Analysis
The overall number of deer-vehicle collisions, along with data on deer removed via depredation permits, are factors used by the DNR to set bonus antlerless quotas for the hunting season and designate locations for deer reduction zones.
Deer-vehicle collision data is collected by the Indiana State Police and local law enforcement for INDOT anytime an accident report is completed for insurance purposes (for collisions resulting in property damage of at least $2,500 or injury).
This consistent, long-term data collection, which includes information on road type, location, and estimated damage cost, is crucial for both road safety analyses and the DNR’s deer population analysis. By standardizing the data against daily vehicle miles traveled, officials can make an unbiased comparison of collision rates across different counties and years.
