LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fall has officially arrived in Kentucky and police are urging drivers to be mindful on the roads as it is peak season for deer-related crashes.
“It’s essential for drivers to stay vigilant during the fall season when driving on Kentucky roadways,” Trooper Josh Satterly said in a statement.
Satterly said slowing down is very helpful as deer often roam in groups. If one crosses the road, there are likely others to follow.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said there are one million car crashes with deer annually, killing 200 Americans, cause more than 10,000 personal injuries and result in $1 billion in vehicle damages.
The NHTSA said there were 3,285 deer-related crashes, 202 injuries and three deaths in 2023.
KSP has provided some useful tips for drivers:
- Be Aware: Be on the lookout for deer crossing signs throughout the state.
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed while traveling through an area prone to deer.
- Never Veer From Deer: Sudden sharp turns could place a driver in the path of oncoming traffic or cause your vehicle to strike a fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole.
- Herd Awareness: Deer travel in groups. Motorists who see a deer cross the road, should immediately anticipate that additional deer could enter the roadway.
- Timing Is Everything: Deer are most active at dusk and dawn, when your vision is most compromised. Additionally, deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January).
- Buckle Up: If a collision is unavoidable, hitting the deer is often safer than swerving. Wearing a seatbelt is your best defense during a crash and is also the law.
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