Call it Bambi's revenge.
Each year, an estimated 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions kill several hundred people, injure tens of thousands more and cause more than $1 billion in vehicle damage.
The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition estimates that one in seven reported crashes in that state involves a deer -- one every eight minutes.
And the totals may be even higher: Informal surveys suggest that nearly as many collisions go unreported, either because the owner isn't required to by law or because he doesn't have insurance.
Unfortunately, say the experts, there are no silver bullets to reduce the risk. At times and places where deer present a significant risk, avoiding a collision can just come down to common sense -- and cautious driving.
Assessing the risk
The problem intensifies during so-called deer season -- from October through December -- when there is a dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population. Many of these deer find their way onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods.
Of course, some states experience more collisions with deer than others. According to claim statistics from State Farm, the country's biggest auto insurer, the states with the highest number of accidents involving deer between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005, were:








Worst states for deer collisions



1


Pennsylvania


6


Minnesota



2


Michigan


7


Virginia



3


Illinois


8


Indiana



4


Ohio


9


Texas



5


Georgia


10


Wisconsin

The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is about $2,600, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says. With injury claims, the total reaches $11,000 per collision, the Insurance Information Institute says.

POOR BAMBI LOL