The rut is here, otherwise known as peak deer breeding season, where bucks chase deer across Missouri roads and highways. It also coincides with Saturday’s start of firearms deer hunting season.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Lt. Eric Brown said that the number of crashes increase this time of year, as a result.
“You could encounter deer anytime of day or anytime of the night and as something that motorists just need to be aware of, be attentive to, be defensive drivers and try to avoid becoming a victim of a crash involving a deer,” he said.
Dusk and dawn are the peak times of day to encounter deer. Brown also said to use caution where deer crossing signs are posted.
Brown said if you cannot avoid hitting a deer, maintain control of the vehicle.
“Unfortunately, a lot of our more serious crashes from deer strikes occur when a driver tries to swerve to avoid striking that deer,” said Brown. “They end up losing control of their vehicle, traveling off the roadway, hitting another object, overturning or swerving into the wrong lane and striking another vehicle.”
During the rut, bucks become more active and aggressive as they search and compete for does.
“Don’t try to remove the animal from the roadway,” explained Brown. “If it’s still in the roadway, unless it’s truly, truly safe to do so, it is not worth the risk of them becoming in a position where you can get struck by a vehicle and seriously injured or killed. If your vehicle is not disabled and no one’s injured, move it off the roadway.”
Another tip is to drive with your high beams on to help illuminate the eyes of the deer and roadway shoulders, and to allow for maximum response time. Vehicles colliding with deer can result in deaths, injuries, and millions in total insured losses.
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