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What are the odds of hitting a bird while driving?

I’m a spiritual person, and I've read that killing an animal can affect your zen. As a result, I’m always nervous that I might hit something while driving. What are the chances of hitting a bird with your car?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Don’t worry about killing a bird. The odds of hitting a bird while driving are about one in 5,000.
To put that in perspective, your odds of hitting a hole in one during your next golf outing are about the same. Or if you aren’t a golfer, the odds of a meteor hitting Earth and causing a major catastrophe are about the same.
If you happen to beat the odds and hit a bird while driving, pull over immediately. In all likelihood, the bird will probably be dead. If possible, put on some gloves and move the animal out of the road if it’s likely to become a driving hazard. You may also want to call animal control to report the incident.
If the bird gets stuck in the grille of your car, you should remove it as soon as possible to avoid a
nasty smell
if it festers.
While you may question your spirituality after hitting a bird, take solace by saving a few extra dollars on your car insurance with the
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