By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — Alabama ranks high on the list of states where drivers are more likely to hit a deer on the road.

According to a report from January 2020, an estimated 1 in every 92 drivers in Alabama will come into collision with an animal. From July 2018 to June 2019, there was 1.9 million dollars worth of collision claims reported by U.S. motorists. While other animal claims were reported, deer were the most hazardous. Alabama ranked 23rd in the list of "high risk" states. 

According to officials, deer are in "rut", a mating season that extends to certain kinds of animals. The rut of many species is triggered by shorter day lengths. 

During this active time, bucks may jump out in front of vehicles in pursuit of a doe or fight another buck.

As a driver, the most important things to remember in "rut" season are:

• Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn
• If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross
• Use high beams to increase visibility (except when there is oncoming traffic)
• Don't veer to avoid a collision, most crash-related deaths occur after swerving. Instead, break firmly and hold your steering wheel as you come to a stop.

As of 2020, the states with the highest likelihood for an animal-vehicle collision are West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Michigan, Mississippi, and Minnesota.