During the past five years, Boone County led the state in deer
collisions with an average of 148 per year



Story Highlights
Be extra cautious in the early morning and evening hours.
Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve.

The Kentucky State Police is urging all motorists to be aware of the
increased dangers posed by deer wandering onto roadways during
November and December.

“Two factors combine to boost the chances that motorists may encounter
these animals during this time of the year: mating season and hunting
season,” KSP Sgt. Michael Webb said. “This results in increased
movement that presents hazards to deer, vehicles and drivers.”

Nationally, about 1.6 million vehicle-deer collisions occur each year, resulting in about 150 deaths and $3.6 billion in damage. The national
average cost-per-claim is $4,135.

“A collision with a deer can cause extensive vehicle damage such as a
crushed front end or punctured radiator to severe hood, windshield and
roof damage,” Webb said. “The human costs can be very serious as
well.”

In 2014, Kentucky recorded 3,092 vehicle-deer collisions, an increase
of 128 crashes compared to 2013 statistics. Three people were killed
and 115 injured.

During the past five years, Boone County led the state in deer
collisions with an average of 148 per year. Hopkins County posted 122
followed by Jefferson County with 103, Campbell County with 97 and
Hardin County with 96.

According to State Farm Insurance Co., Kentucky is ranked 14th in the
country for the most deer collisions. The odds that drivers in the
state will hit a deer are 1 in 113.

To avoid becoming a statistic, KSP offers the following defensive
driving tips for motorists to reduce their chances of hitting a deer:

? Be extra cautious in the early morning and evening hours. Deer are
most active during these low-light periods when motorists see worst
and reaction time is slow.

? Stay alert when driving through a known deer-crossing zone. If you
see one deer, look for more. They often travel in herds.

? Drive at a moderate speed, especially on roads bordering woodlands, parklands, golf courses and streams. However, remember that many deer
crashes occur on busy highways near cities.

? Use high beam headlights if there is no oncoming traffic. High beams
will reflect in the eyes of deer on or near the roadway, providing
increased driver reaction time.

? Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve – this
could confuse the deer about where to run. It could also cause you to
lose control and hit a tree or another car. It is generally safer to
hit the deer rather than running off the road or risking injury to
other motorists.

? Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with blinding
headlights, loud horns and fast-moving vehicles. Don’t expect them to
stay where they are. They can dart in front of you at the last moment,
stop in the middle of the road, cross quickly and return to the road
or even move toward an approaching vehicle.


Deer whistles on cars provide little help and blowing the car horn
doesn’t always solve the problem. Blowing the horn may cause them to
move, but not necessarily in the direction you want.

? Always wear your safety belt. Historically, most people injured or
killed in deer/auto collisions were not properly restrained. http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/boone-county/2015/11/16/deer-move-november-december/75883062/

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