MoDOT Reminds Motorists to Watch For Deer in The Autumn Months

Photo by Missouri Department of Conservation.

Fall has arrived, and that means more wild animals, especially deer, are on the move as cooler temperatures begin to settle in and nights become longer.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to prepare for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways throughout the fall months.

According to State Farm Insurance, the Show-Me State now ranks 10th in the country for potential animal collisions – up from 14th last year – with a one in 80 chance of hitting an animal while driving.

In 2022, Missouri drivers experienced 3,699 crashes involving a deer.

One deer strike occurred approximately every two hours and 20 minutes in the state.

In these crashes, there were five fatalities, and 424 people suffered injuries.

MoDOT says drivers should never swerve to avoid animals on the road, as it can cause loss of control, resulting in serious injury or death.

To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway.