The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently issued its annual ‘Antler Alert’ to remind drivers that we are currently entering the peak season for deer-vehicle collisions.
During the final three months of the year, about half of all deer-related crashes occur, with November being the month that witnesses the highest number of such incidents.
According to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Acting Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott, deer mating season is triggered by shorter days and cooler nights, putting deer on the move. Additionally, the harvesting of crops by farmers plays a role in this movement, as deer are compelled to venture further in search of food and suitable hiding spots.
Apart from causing damage to vehicles, deer can be hazardous to humans. In fact, deer are among the leading causes of human deaths in the United States, contributing to approximately 200 deaths on America’s highways annually.
In Kentucky, state transportation officials report there were a total of 3,084 highway crashes involving deer reported to police in 2022, up about 100 from 2021 numbers. Among these incidents, there were four reported fatalities and 20 serious injuries due to deer collisions in 2022.
Of the 12 counties in the KYTC District 1, five counties were in the top 30 deer crashes statewide, including Lyon County with 32. In District 2, state data shows 18 deer collisions in Caldwell County in 2022.
Furthermore, state officials have observed that areas with higher deer populations, increased traffic volume, and more miles of 4-lane roads tend to experience higher numbers of deer-related crashes. However, they say accurately tracking deer crash numbers can be challenging due to the fact that some drivers go to their insurance agents without reporting it to the police.
KYTC officials report State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reviews insurance claims to produce a closely followed annual report on wildlife-related crashes. Its 2022-2023 numbers indicate Kentucky ranks 18th nationally for deer collisions, with drivers having a 1 in 91 chance of hitting a deer. That compares with No. 1 ranked West Virginia, where drivers have a 1 in 38 chance.
State Farm estimates there were over 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims in the United States last year.
KYTC offers these driving tips:
– Slow down immediately upon spotting a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
– Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, which can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
– In the event of a crash, keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
– Always wear a seat belt.
– Keep headlights on bright at night unless other vehicles are approaching.
– Eliminate distractions while driving: Phones down!
– Drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.
Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.
