CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Driving through Hopkinsville and Christian County this time of year, there is a notable increase in the number of deer seen laying on the side of the roadways as a result of accidents. As deer activity continues to increase this fall, Kentucky officials are sharing helpful information to keep drivers safe.
The most recent deer related wreck in Christian County occurred on Nov. 9 at 5:38 p.m. at the 20200 block of North Greenville Road. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office says the vehicle was traveling northbound when the driver stopped quickly to avoid a deer in the roadway, causing the car to run off the roadway and collide with a tree.
The driver suffered injuries to her face, and her passenger complained of chest pains. This is one of several deer related accidents that have been reported by local law enforcement in the past couple of months.
Why deer pop up more in fall, what time of day they are most seen
According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, deer movement typically increases during the fall as mating season begins and food sources shift. Deer often travel farther distances during October, November and December, making roadway encounters more common.
“October to December is mating season for deer, a time when deer activity peaks as males roam further afield to locate females,” said Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in a news release. “Fall also pressures deer to move in search of food and shelter as cover foliage disappears, crops are harvested and natural food sources are depleted. Drivers should be aware that they could see deer crossing quiet lanes and busy highways at any time during the season, particularly at dawn and dusk.”
Nearly half of all deer collisions occurred during the final three months of the year, according to KYTC. Kentucky State Police data shows that the highest crash totals occurred between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with 304 crashes reported at 6 p.m., 242 at 7 p.m. and 281 at 8 p.m., highlighting the need to drive alert at dusk and in the evening.
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Crash prevention tips, hot spots for activity
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports that best defense against a deer-related crash is to stay alert, slow down and buckle up. New crash data shows Kentucky experienced a seven-year high of 3,411 deer collisions in 2025, underscoring the importance of safe driving habits as peak deer movement season gets underway along roadways statewide.
Among Kentucky counties, Hopkins County recorded the highest number of reported deer collisions in 2025 with 134, followed by Hardin County (118), Muhlenberg County (95), Nelson County (95) and Boone County (94). Several western Kentucky counties ranked among the highest for deer crashes, continuing a pattern seen in recent years.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) offers these driving tips to stay safe:
- Stay Aware: Be vigilant, especially in forested terrain, and during dusk and dawn when deer are most active. Deer often travel in groups so others may be close behind if you see one.
- Be Prepared: Always wear a seat belt (it’s the law) and eliminate distractions (phones down!).
- Turn On Headlights: Keep them on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
- Slow Down: Take your foot off the gas immediately if you spot a deer crossing the roadway.
- Don’t Swerve: Trying to avoid a deer can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
- If There’s a Crash: Keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to help place deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.
Removing animals from roadway
For roadkill that’s impeding traffic, drivers should call 911.
If motorists notice roadkill on the side of the road that needs picking up, the public should notify one of these three agencies:
- On city streets, call Hopkinsville Animal Control at (270) 890-1300, or Hopkinsville Public Works at (270) 890-0600.
- On state highways visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, and make a report on their “Report a Hazard” function under “Contact”.
- On county roads, call CCSO dispatch at (270) 890-1300
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