NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Animal-related vehicle crashes remain a growing safety concern in rural America, with new analysis showing elevated fatality risks in states with large wildlife populations and extensive rural road networks. Data reviewed by Wilk Law, using federal crash records, highlights the ongoing danger for drivers and agricultural communities.
States across the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northern Rockies rank highest for fatal crashes involving animals. Montana is at the top, followed by Wisconsin, Kansas, Alaska, and North Dakota. West Virginia, Iowa, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania round out the top 10. These states share common traits — expansive rural highways, abundant wildlife, and frequent travel during low-visibility periods such as dawn and dusk.
At the other end of the spectrum, more urbanized states report far fewer fatal incidents. Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut rank among the safest, with significantly lower rates of fatal animal-related crashes.
The contrast highlights how geography shapes risk. Rural transportation corridors tied to agriculture and natural landscapes increase exposure, especially during peak fieldwork seasons when traffic rises.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rural driving conditions increase the risk of serious collisions with animals.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
John Deere representative Kaylene Ballesteros took RanchHer host, Janie Johnson, on a tour of the company’s exciting, new offerings at NCBA CattleCon in Orlando.
February 05, 2024 12:54 PM
·
RanchHer celebrated the invaluable contributions women leading the beef industry at their panel, “Your Path to Becoming a RanchHer,” Friday at NCBA CattleCon.
February 02, 2024 03:31 PM
·
“Where The Food Comes From” visits M&B Products, a milk bottling plant in Temple Terrace, FL (a suburb of Tampa) with its farm in Lecanto, operated by the McClellan family. Get ready for a lesson in everything from milk bottling, to dairy nutrition, and bovine reproduction!
January 25, 2024 03:00 PM
Would you believe it’s possible to have a dairy barn where all you smell is clean fresh country air? Leon McLellan of M&B Products in Temple Terrace, FL shows us how!
January 24, 2024 03:00 PM
If chocolate milke doesn’t come from brown cows (and strawberry milk certainly doesn’t come from pink ones), then where does it come from? Get the scoop!
January 24, 2024 10:00 AM
At Florida dairy operation M&B Products, we learn about bottling milk, lactose intolerance, and so much more!
January 23, 2024 03:57 PM
