With the cooler fall temperatures and longer nights, deer and other wild animals are on the move. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds drivers that most deer strikes with vehicles occur in October and November between the hours of 6:00 – 7:00 am and 6:00 – 9:00 pm. MoDOT reminds motorists to be prepared and never drive distracted.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2025, Missouri drivers experienced more than 2,800 crashes involving deer. That includes six deaths and 435 injuries.
Studies show rural areas are not the only places where vehicle strikes occur. MoDOT offers the following safety tips for avoiding collisions with deer and other wild animals:
- Control your speed, stay alert, and avoid distractions.
- Don’t swerve to avoid hitting an animal. Swerving can cause motorists to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.
- Deer rarely travel alone. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer. If a deer crosses the road in front of you, there is a good chance another deer will be following it.
- Don’t follow other traffic too closely. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.