Drivers in Missouri should be extra cautious on the roads during the fall season. The Missouri Department of Transportation says most deer strikes with vehicles happen in October and November, especially between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
October is deer breeding season. This means deer are moving around more than usual.
“Because of this, motorists should be especially cautious when driving this time of year,” said Jason Isabelle, a deer biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation. In 2022, there were 3,591 crashes involving deer on Missouri roads. That’s about one deer-related crash every 2.5 hours.
These crashes led to four deaths and 420 injuries. Deer can be found in both rural and urban areas. “Deer are often in groups, even in populated areas,” MoDOT noted.
MoDOT shared some tips for staying safe during deer season:
– If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby. Stay alert. – Scan both sides of the road regularly to avoid hitting a deer.
– If you see deer eyes reflecting in your headlights, slow down so you can react more easily.
Missouri drivers: fall deer caution
– Don’t swerve to avoid animals on the road.
This can make you lose control of your vehicle and lead to serious injury or death. In Missouri, if you hit and kill a deer with your vehicle, you can claim the deer carcass. But you need to get written permission from an MDC agent first.
The form is free, but you have to contact MDC to get it. Darin Hamelink, a state maintenance engineer at MoDOT, said safety should be the top priority. If getting a carcass in a high-traffic area is too risky, it’s better to call MoDOT’s customer service at 1-888-275-6636.
“Crews will address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Crews will safely drag the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside any active drainage ditch or channel,” Hamelink explained. MoDOT will move deer on shoulders during regular weekday work hours.
Crews only come out after hours if there is a road safety hazard. The department doesn’t have a special crew for removing carcasses that are completely off state-maintained roads. But if a carcass is blocking mail delivery or is near a neighborhood bus stop on a state-maintained road, MoDOT will remove it.
For more information or to report any road safety hazards, contact MoDOT’s customer service.
- ColumbiaTribune.”Deer are on the move. Here’s what time MoDOT says to be most cautious”.
- BBC.”Cannock Chase drivers warned to reduce speed during deer mating season”.
- LehighValleyLive.”Tips to avoid animal collisions, with Pa. once again No. 1 in insurance claims”.