Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issues ‘Antler Alert’

By Kentucky Transportation CabinetOctober 5, 2021

October through December are peak season for collisions involving deer and other wildlife

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issues ‘Antler Alert’
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is issuing an "Antler Alert" to remind motorists that it is peak season for highway collisions involving deer and other wildlife on the move from now through December. (Photo Credit: Illustration of photo courtesy of Wikimedia) VIEW ORIGINAL

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is issuing an "Antler Alert" to remind motorists that it is peak season for highway collisions involving deer and other wildlife on the move.

“Shorter days and cooler nights, October through December, bring a noticeable increase in highway collisions involving deer,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Drivers should be vigilant at all times, but autumn presents a special challenge for drivers, with deer and other wildlife increasingly on the move, often at night.”

Every year, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. issues a report of collisions involving deer and other wildlife, based on the previous year’s insurance claims. For the year that ended June 30, 2020, State Farm reported more than 1.9 million animal collision claims in the United States, with 1.5 million of them involving deer.

On average, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 116 chance of colliding with an animal each year. At 1 chance in 88, Kentucky ranks above the national average and 18th among the states. Drivers in neighboring West Virginia run the highest risk – 1 in 37, according to State Farm. Those interested can view the report HERE.

As the report notes, highway crash rates involving wildlife increase sharply October through December in conjunction with mating seasons, hunting seasons and fall harvests, which will prompt deer to roam in search of new hiding places and sources of food.

In Kentucky, 2,091 highway crashes involving deer were reported to police in 2020, according to a database maintained by Kentucky State Police. Of that total, 123 occurred in Boone County – more than in any other county. Rounding out the 10 highest totals were Christian County (101), Hopkins (95), Campbell (93), Hardin (86), Warren (85), Muhlenberg (75), Pulaski (70), Henderson (69) and Franklin and Kenton counties (68 each). To view a complete list, go to the Kentucky Transportation website HERE.

Cabinet officials offer the following driving tips to help improve safety:

  • Slow down immediately upon spotting a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
  • Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, which can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
  • In the event of a crash, keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • Keep headlights on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
  • Eliminate distractions while driving: Put cellphones down!
  • Drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active and at heavily known deer crossing locations.

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.