Deer migration calls for caution on highways
Oct. 22—The annual deer migration season coincides perfectly with the start of fall, where the sun starts to set much earlier, and as deer travel primarily at night, this can cause issues for drivers, especially on highways.
Just last year in the state of Missouri, there were 3,697 deer-vehicle crashes, leading to 424 injuries and five people losing their lives.
"What's causing a lot of it is farmers harvesting their crops out in the field," said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "Deer-mating season is also a big part of that, also hunting season. Rifle season will be coming up here in about a month."
With all these circumstances leading to increased deer travel during these fall nights, more responsibility falls on drivers to pay extra attention and slow down when they see a potential animal on the road.
Last year, Troop H saw 305 total animal-vehicle accidents with 43 injuries, but neither that number, nor the total number for the state, includes drivers potentially swerving to avoid an animal.
"Just drive up and down the interstate," Hux said. "You'll see deer carcasses on the shoulder. That's another hazard that comes into play. After someone strikes them, they should call and we can get a trooper out there to remove those from the roadway."
As much of a hazard that deer and other animals may pose, driving and driving at night are still necessities for many people. With Thanksgiving a month away, many will be taking trips to celebrate with family.
Like any trip, it all boils down to paying attention to keep yourself, your family and everyone around you safe.
"Stay alert," Hux said. "They are definitely moving throughout Northwest Missouri right now."
