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KTC: Antler Alert reminds drivers of deer hazards From Lisa Jackson/Chris Jessie Elizabethtown, KY - The annual "Antler Alert" issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) reminds motorists that the peak season for deer-vehicle collisions is upon us. About half of all deer-related crashes occur during the last three months of the year, with November having the most. "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. "That's why we take time each year to remind drivers to use extra caution now through December as deer and other wildlife are on the move. While deer can show up at all hours, they create a particular hazard at dusk and at night when visibility is not the greatest." According to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Acting Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott, deer mating season is triggered by shorter days and cooler nights, putting deer on the move. Farmers harvesting crops contribute to this movement as deer are forced to range farther afield for forage and hiding places. Pressure from hunters also contributes to deer activity. "With the onset of fall comes the breeding season, or rut, for white-tailed deer," McDermott said. "As the rut 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." In addition to causing vehicle damage, deer can be hazardous to humans. Deer are among the leading causes of animal-related human deaths in the United States, contributing to about 200 deaths on America's highways every year. In Kentucky, 3,083 highway crashes involving deer were reported to police in 2022, up about 100 from the 2021 numbers. There were four reported fatalities and 20 serious injuries due to deer collisions in 2022. Of the 11 counties in KYTC District 4, Hardin County had the highest number of deer related collisions with 90. That total is 5th highest in the state. Taylor County was second with 72, followed by Nelson with 53, Hart with 48 and Marion with 47. Counties with the highest numbers statewide tend to have higher populations, higher traffic volume numbers, and more 4-lane road miles. Tracking deer crash numbers is difficult due to the number of drivers who go directly to their insurance agent with deer crash claims without reporting them to the police. A complete list of deer-vehicle crashes listed county-by-county can be found under additional resources below. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. reviews insurance claims to produce a closely followed annual report on wildlife-related crashes. Its 2022-2023 numbers indicate Kentucky ranks 18th nationally for deer collisions, with drivers having a 1 in 91 chance of hitting a deer. That compares with No. 1 ranked West Virginia, where drivers have a 1 in 38 chance. Rounding out the top five states: Montana (1 in 53 chance of a crash), Pennsylvania (1 in 59), and Michigan and Wisconsin (both 1 in 60). State Farm estimates there were over 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims in the United States last year. KYTC offers these driving tips:
Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures. This story was posted on 2023-10-17 09:35:42
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