It’s that time of year again when deer are on the move, increasing the risk of a collision.
That’s why the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued its annual “Antler Alert” this week to remind motorists the peak season for deer-vehicle collisions has arrived and continues through the end of the year.
KYTC Secretary Jim Gray says in a release that October, November, and December bring a noticeable increase in highway collisions involving deer. He issued a reminder to drivers to be especially watchful for deer and other wildlife on the move at dusk and at night when poor visibility is already an issue.
Deer Program Coordinator Noelle Thompson of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife says shorter days and cooler nights help to trigger deer mating season and put deer on the move.
Thompson says the onset of autumn brings about physiological changes in male deer. She explains that bachelor groups of bucks break up and expand from their core area, leading to increased deer movement and the possibility of being hit on the roadways.
In addition, fall harvesting also contributes to this movement of deer as they are forced to move farther afield for forage and hiding places.
Deer not only can cause vehicle damage, but state officials say that can be hazardous to humans as deer are among the leading causes of animal-related human fatalities in the United States, contributing to about 200 deaths on the highway each year.
KYTC Office of Highway Safety crash data indicates 2,988 highway crashes involving deer were reported to police across Kentucky in 2021. Officials point out that was an increase of about 100 crashes from 2020. There were three reported fatalities and 25 serious injuries due to deer collisions in 2021.
In 2021 around the area, there were 15 reported deer collisions in Caldwell County, compared to 4 in Crittenden County, 9 in Webster County, 13 in Trigg County, 36 in Lyon County, and 111 in Christian County.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, which uses insurance claims to produce a closely followed annual report on collisions involving wildlife, said deer accounted for 1.5 million of the 1.9 million animal collision claims in the U.S. for the year ending June 30, 2020.
On average, State Farm reports U.S drivers have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal. The data indicates Kentucky ranks above the national average and 18th among the states at 1 chance in 88, while drivers in neighboring West Virginia run the highest risk — 1 in 37.
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.
