Arkansas Makes Top 10 List for Deer Accidents

"I slammed on the breaks but it was probably only 5 or 10 foot, and then it was too late, I just hit it," Austin Nichols, a senior at the University of Arkansas said. 

 It is a rather common story for drivers in Arkansas. Deer cause a number of car accidents, especially this time of year.

"Usually you get your first one and it's not long before they start coming one after another," Mathew Fite, Manager of Autobody America in Fayetteville said.

State Farm Insurance came out with this year's stats, and we're once again in the top 10 for accidents involving deer. According to previous years, this season could bring in as many as 5 deer damaged cars in a week.

"Between 35 and 40 a year. So they're usually right around this time, two months span," Fite said.

Take it from someone who's been there, deer can come out of anywhere.

"Unexpectedly a deer came out in between Pizza Hut and Taco Bell and it hit me," Nichols said.

"Most the time they're on the bypass, back roads, but it does happen in town," Fite said.

Autobody America employees say it's big business.

"An average deer hit is going to be between 1,800 and 2,500 dollars. I've seen them go as high as 7,000 dollars," Fite said.
 
But for a full time college student, it's time and money they just can't afford.

"Tremendous inconvenience you know I'm a full time student so now I have to turn in my card, attempt to get a rental car, leave my truck in the shop for days. I'm out 500 dollars," Nichols said.

So be aware, with deer season in full swing, so are the deer.