Maine Drivers Enter a Dangerous Time of Year for Crashes With Animals

While we need to stay alert year-round, this is a particularly important time to be cautious on the road.

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brown deer on gray asphalt road during daytime

Playcasino.com analyzed federal records of fatal crashes involving vehicles striking live animals on U.S. public roads from 2015 through 2024, counting every death in those crashes regardless of the animal involved.

Using U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, analysts calculated average annual deaths per million residents and ranked states by those rates, excluding Washington, D.C.

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Yellow diamond deer crossing warning sign

Maine ranked 17th in the analysis, with 13 deaths in crashes involving animals from 2015 through 2024, an average annual rate of 0.95 deaths per million residents.

That amounts to an annual risk of about 1 in 1.05 million for Maine residents, compared with about 1 in 1.56 million nationwide.

Deer crosses road near pedestrian crossing sign

The Maine Department of Transportation advises drivers to watch roadsides for wildlife, follow posted speed limits and slow down when visibility is poor, especially around dawn, dusk and at night.

Drivers should also pay attention to wildlife crossing signs and be prepared for additional animals to follow, since deer and moose often travel in groups.

Speed limit sign with 35 on a rural road

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And there you have it! Maine’s rate was higher than the national average, offering another reminder to stay alert for wildlife on the road.

What are your thoughts on these findings? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

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