Risk factors associated with the animal impaction:
(1) The larger the animal, the more likely damage to the vehicle will result. Animals involved are most often moose and deer, but may include reindeer, horses, bison, cows or other quadrapeds.
(2) The more direct the impact, the more likely the energy will be transmitted to the vehicle occupants.
(3) If the animal is thrown into the air and lands on the roof of the car then the passenger compartment can be crushed. If the car is a convertible then the injury is direct.
(4) If the animal lands on the car hood, then the animal's hoofs may penetrate the windshield and strike the occupants, with lethal effect.
Risk factors associated with the vehicle's occupants:
(1) Injury may result from either trying to avoid the collision (and losing control) as well as hitting the animal. The car may go into a ditch, strike a tree or run into another car.
(2) Occupants with 3 point restraints and air bags have fewer injuries than unrestrained occupants.
Risk factors associated with the vehicle:
(1) Smaller cars with less sturdy construction are more likely to crumple after the impact.
(2) A windshield that is not made of safety glass can result in glass shards.
(3) The higher the vehicle's speed the greater the kinetic energy and the less time there is to safely avoid an accident.
The accidents tend to occur more frequently:
(1) in the early morning, especially if foggy
(2) at dusk
(3) during the rut, when animals are more active
(4) during animal migrations
(5) in rural areas
(6) if animals are traveling in small groups (such as a mother with older offspring)
