Car collisions with animals could become more common as days become shorter

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As fall begins in Missouri and days become shorter, collisions involving wild animals become more common, causing danger to drivers.

The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are urging people to be cautious when driving on roads in the dark because of potential animals crossing into roadways.

October through the end of November are peak times for vehicle crashes involving animals, according to MoDOT.

Animals like deer are more active in the dark, making it harder for people to see them when driving at night. MoDOT warns drivers to be aware of both sides of the roadway for animals.

According to State Farm Insurance, in the last year Missouri has gone up the ranks from 14th to 10th place for potential animal collisions. That leaves a one in 80 chance an animal can cause a crash to your vehicle.

Although swerving to avoid the animal might feel like the right thing to do, Cpl. Kyle Green of Troop F said to not.

“We understand there’s a natural reaction to want to swerve around the animal," Green said. "But many times cars go off the roadway and end up rolling over or striking a tree or something. And if they had just struck the animal, there would be cosmetic damage to the vehicle but everyone in the vehicle would be fine."

Green said Highway Patrol responds to several animal related crashes per week and while they are more common on rural roads, wild animals can still be an issue on main roadways like US 63 and I-70

In 2022, there were over 36,000 crashes involving deer, resulting in five deaths and 424 people injured.

If an animal is found in a high traffic area MoDOT is asking you to call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) and crews will come and take care of it.

It is estimated that 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims were submitted nationwide from June of 2022 to July of 2023