(MURRAY, Ky.) — Kentucky ranks tenth in the nation for fatal vehicle crashes involving animals, according to a new study that analyzed five years of crash data across the United States.
The research, conducted by DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, examined fatal vehicle crash data from the Crash Data Analysis and Statistics (CDAN) system for all 50 states between 2019 and 2023. Kentucky recorded 1.30 fatalities per million registered vehicles during that period — 55% higher than the national average of 0.84.
The Bluegrass State averaged 5.6 fatal animal-related crashes per year over the five-year period. The deadliest years were 2019, 2020, and 2021, with six fatalities each, while 2023 saw the lowest number with three deaths.
“While animal collisions might seem unavoidable, their frequency and severity can often be mitigated through driver awareness, roadway lighting, and improved wildlife management strategies,” said a spokesperson from DeHoyos Accident Attorneys. “States like Kentucky face [the] tenth highest risks due to expansive rural highways and active deer populations, especially during migration seasons.”
The study measured average annual fatal crashes caused by animals per million registered vehicles, with higher rates indicating greater risk for drivers traveling through rural or wildlife-dense areas.
DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is a Houston-based personal injury law firm that represents clients in vehicle collisions, slip and fall disputes, dog bites, and wrongful death cases. The firm’s research methodology and complete dataset are available through the CDAN system.
The findings highlight ongoing safety concerns on Kentucky’s rural highways, where wildlife encounters remain a significant hazard for motorists.
