If roadkill isn’t enough evidence, an insurance company has data that indicates Michigan drivers and animals come into contact all too often.

Research indicates Michigan ranks second in the nation for animal collision claims with more than 126,000 filed from July 1, 2024, to June 30 of this year, according to State Farm. Only Pennsylvania had more at 147,000 claims.

For risk of crash, West Virginia is No. 1 with risk at 1 in 40 for an animal-vehicle crash, followed by Montana at 1 in 53, neighboring Wisconsin at 1 in 58 and Michigan fourth at 1 in 61. The national average is 1 in 139.

Deer made up the large majority of damage to vehicles from animals, followed by unknown animals, rodents, dogs, raccoons and cattle, State Farm states in a news release.

Nationally, the insurance industry paid for an estimated 1.7 million animal collisions over the past 12 months.

The good news is that national number is down slightly, from 1.8 million the previous year, according to State Farm. The bad news is the worst period of the year for animal collisions — October to December — is just around the corner.

So the insurance company offers these tips for better avoiding an unpleasant and likely costly encounter with another creature while on the road —

— Slow down. Reduce your vehicle’s speed and maintain a constant lookout for animals. Travel at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights.

— Use extra caution and slow down in known animal crossing zones.

— Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate.

— Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see an animal. Brake firmly when you notice an animal in or near your path but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.

— Always wear a seat belt.

If a collision happens, State Farm advises —

— Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.

— Call police if the animal is blocking traffic and could create a threat for other drivers.

— Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage.

— Stay away from the animal: A frightened, wounded animal could use its legs and hooves to harm you. Do not attempt to move an animal.

— Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazard.

— Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim.