Many drivers in Virginia are having to seek out vehicle repairs due to an increase in crashes caused by deer, WRIC reports.
During the colder seasons, deer enter the mating season and are more active, according to the AAA. Data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shows that last year, the state experienced a spike in deer strikes.
In 2022, the state reported 6,135 deer-related crashes, resulting in the death of four individuals and 568 injured. Additionally, the state reported a 7% increase in crashes and an 11% increase in injuries from 2021.
Chesterfield and Hanover Counties were among the top 10 regions in the state for deer-related crashes, with Chesterfield County having 174 deer strikes and Hanover County at 125.
One Virginia resident recounted having collided with a deer in Powhatan County, before being hit by yet another deer only days after he had repairs done.
Since then, the man has hit three additional deer in varying regions of Virginia, with each repair costing him up to $3,000. This tracks with data from the AAA, which shows the average claim for an animal strike in Virginia costing over $5,500 as of 2022–a 40% increase from five years ago.
Much of this cost increase is attributed to new vehicle technology, such as cameras and sensors, as well as supply chain issues.
