Drivers should be alert for deer in October and November
By Kendra Simpson
As the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler, the Missouri Department of Transportation warns drivers to watch for deer, especially at dawn or dusk.
Most deer strikes occur during the animals’ breeding season, which begins in October and peaks in November. The hours of 6 to 7 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. tend to be the times they move around the most.
In 2023, drivers were involved in 3,591 crashes involving deer in Missouri, resulting in four fatalities and 420 injuries. While drivers have no control over the movements of deer, MoDOT officials advise taking the following steps to avoid hitting animals.
After seeing a single deer, stay alert because there are likely more as they travel in groups.
Regularly scan both sides of the roadway and stay alert to any movement.
Look for reflections of deer eyes in vehicle headlights and slow down to more easily react to their presence.
Avoid the temptation to swerve to avoid animals as it may cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death.
If a deer or another animal is struck by a vehicle, do not pull over and attempt to move it Instead, call the MoDOT customer service line 1-888-275-6636). MoDOT will remove the animal during normal weekday hours.
