KSP urges caution on roadways during peak deer season
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State Police is asking motorists to stay aware on the roads this fall.
State police are reminding motorists that the fall is the peak season for deer-related crashes.
“It’s essential for drivers to stay vigilant during the fall season when driving on Kentucky roadways,” says Trooper Josh Satterly. “Often deer roam in groups, so if a motorist sees one cross the road, they should immediately slow down in anticipation of additional deer.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1 million car crashes involving deer occur each year and claim the lives of 200 people in the United States. Deer-related accidents also result in 10,000 personal injuries and $1 billion in vehicle damage.
NHTSA says Kentucky had 3,285 deer-related crashes in 2023, resulting in 202 injuries and three fatalities.
The KSP provides these reminders for all Kentuckians:
- 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.
- Visit KSP’s website for more information about the agency, including the latest vehicle collision data. Click here to see KSP post locations by county.
