Watch for Deer This Time of Year

(St. Francois County, MO) Highway Patrol officials want to remind drivers that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists this time of year. Drivers are urged to remain alert. If you strike a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location and call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it. Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Try to remain calm. Overreacting usually leads to more serious traffic crashes. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed gradually while watching other traffic around you. Other drivers may be doing the same, so be sure to pay attention and always wear your seat belt. Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 3,779 traffic crashes where deer vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every 2 hours and 18 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were three fatalities and 420 people were injured. The majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November each year, with the largest number taking place in November. Although deer strikes can occur at any time, most occur during the 6-6:59 a.m. and 6-8:59 p.m. timeframe.