Troopers warn drivers to watch for deer on roadways

Missouri State Highway Patrol officials warned drivers that the majority of deer-involved crashes occur in the months of October and November, as it is deer mating season.

Troopers said that in 2017, there were 4,070 crashes statewide involving deer, resulting in seven deaths and 400 injuries.

According to online crash reports, there were about 700 crashes involving deer in mid-Missouri in 2017.

Troopers said a deer-involved crash occurred every 2.2 hours in the state.

Deer strikes can happen at any time, but troopers said that most occur between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Troopers also warn that deer-involved crashes don’t only occur in rural areas. Deer behavior changes during mating season, so more deer will most likely be seen. Hunting or harvesting might also cause the animals to be in areas where they aren’t normally seen.

Troopers say when drivers sees a deer, they should remain calm and don’t overreact. Overreacting and trying to swerve to avoid the deer can cause a more serious crash into oncoming traffic.