HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has named Christian County one of the Top 6 counties in Kentucky with the most deer-vehicle collisions, with 81 reported crashes in 2022.
In a news release, KYTC announced their annual “Antler Alert” to remind motorists that we are in the peak season for deer related accidents. “As our traffic engineers review data for crash trends across the Commonwealth, the increase in deer-vehicle collisions in October, November, and December is noticeable, with a peak in November,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Acting Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott says this spike is due to deer mating season. “As the rut (breeding season) approaches, bucks begin chasing does in an attempt to breed. Deer essentially have blinders on during this time, which makes them particularly susceptible to motor vehicle collisions.”
Tips to avoid crashes
KYTC says drivers should slow down when a deer is spotted, because they generally travel in groups. Don’t swerve if a deer runs onto the road and keep both hands on the wheel while applying the brakes. Eliminate distractions while driving, always wear a seatbelt, keep headlights bright when able, and drive defensively.
The news release also encourages people to always report deer-vehicle collisions to police.