SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The arrival of fall also means the arrival of deer and other wild animals on the move. MoDOT reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals in the Ozarks.

According to MoDOT, most deer versus vehicle crashes occur during October and November and between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“Deer increase their movements during the breeding season, which begins in October and peaks in mid-November,” said Missouri Department of Conservation Deer Biologist Jason Isabelle in a press release. “Because of this, motorists should be especially cautious when driving this time of year.”

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Missouri has consistently ranked 10th to 15th in the country for collisions involving deer each year.

Here are some tips MoDOT suggests for staying alert:

• Stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer, as there are likely more.
• To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway.
• Watch for the reflection of deer eyes from vehicle headlights and slow down so you can more easily react to their presence.
• Never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death.

An MSHP 2023 report stated Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer. One deer strike occurred approximately every two hours and 30 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were four fatalities and 420 people were injured.

To report an animal carcass in a high-traffic area or for more information, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

News Source : https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/watch-out-for-deer-along-missouri-roadways-this-fall/