As deer become more active, especially during the evening and at night, the Missouri State Highway Patrol cautions motorists to remain alert.
Deer behavior changes for many reasons this time of year, the patrol said. It’s mating season, which may cause an increase in roadway crossings. Hunting and crop harvesting may cause these animals to be in places they aren’t usually seen.
When deer are seen, the patrol says slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups — stay on guard after a close call or when you see one deer.
Natural features also affect deer movement. In areas where there are streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, look for more deer to cross roadways. Remember: Rural areas are not the only place where deer/vehicle strikes occur. In 2008, 28.0 percent of the traffic crashes involving deer happened in urban areas.
Last year, Missouri had 3,603 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every 2.4 hours in the state. In those crashes, two people were killed and 336 injured.
The majority of deer strike crashes occur from October through December each year, with the largest number taking place in November. The majority of deer strikes occur from 5 p.m. through 6:59 a.m. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Try to remain calm, the patrol said. Panicking and overreacting usually lead to more serious traffic crashes.