A recent study of data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows Iowa is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to fatal car crashes caused by animals. The review, conducted by a personal injury law firm, John Foy & Associates, found Iowa ranked as the sixth-worst state with 18 live animal fatal accidents since 2017, which equates to eight percent of all fatal crashes involving a non-fixed object caused by an animal. Based on that percentage, Iowa is tied with Kansas and Minnesota. Montana ranked as the worst state in the nation at 23 percent, followed by Wisconsin and South Dakota at 14 percent. Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont are ranked as the best states for drivers, with zero percent of fatal crashes involving a live animal. Drivers are encouraged to remember a few basics if they come across a live animal on the roadway. For starters, remain alert behind the wheel, as a potential accident can be avoided if the animal is spotted soon enough. Pay attention to wildlife crossing signs, as the likelihood of encountering an animal in those areas is higher, and remember to avoid swerving abruptly to avoid hitting animals, such as deer.
