KANSAS CITY, Mo. - You might want to take extra caution while you drive through Missouri this year.
According to data from State Farm, the chances of hitting a deer increased by 4.5 percent, making the odds of hitting a deer about one in 112 drivers.
In comparison, Kansas drivers have a slight decrease in their odds of hitting a deer to 1 in 127 drivers, the same data shows.
"Deer are more active at dawn and dusk during autumn, or also at night, than during daylight hours," said Bill Graham with the Missouri Department of Conservation. "So they may be more likely to be on roadsides or crossing roads."
The report shows Missouri for the second year in a row ranks 17th in the country for most potential deer collisions. Kansas went from 18 to 19.
The average cost per insurance claims due to hitting a deer also increased in both states to about $4,179.
"Motorists can lower risks by keeping a sharp eye out for roadside deer, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down if you see them. Don’t swerve to avoid a deer if you cannot do so safely," Graham suggests.
West Virginia ranked at #1, with every 1 in 43 drivers colliding with a deer. Montana and Pennsylvania round out the top 3.
State Farm used its claims data and data from the Federal Highway Administration to calculate results from the study.
