(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — Kentucky transportation officials are urging motorists to exercise extra caution on roadways as the state enters peak season for deer activity and vehicle collisions.
The annual “Antler Alert” comes as state data shows nearly half of all wildlife-related crashes occur in the final three months of the year, with November historically recording the highest number of incidents.
“We see deer-related crashes rise sharply this time of year,” said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “Last November we had more than 700 wildlife collisions – the highest of any month. Drivers should be extra alert, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down in areas where deer are likely to cross.”
Mating Season Drives Increased Activity
The heightened risk coincides with the deer rut, or mating season, which begins in late October and continues through December. According to Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, changing seasons also push deer to travel greater distances.
“Deer activity peaks in the fall not only because of the rut, but also because their food sources and cover change as the seasons shift,” McDermott explained. “As foliage disappears and crops are harvested, deer are more likely to travel greater distances and cross roadways in search of food and shelter.”
Collisions on the Rise
Kentucky recorded 3,406 highway crashes involving deer in 2024, an increase of nearly 180 over the previous year and the highest total in five years. The collisions resulted in six fatalities—three more than the previous year—and 22 serious injuries.
Hopkins County led the state with 133 reported crashes, and five of the top 10 counties with the most incidents were located in western Kentucky.
Nationally, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. reported more than 1.7 million animal collision claims for the year ending June 30, 2025, with over 1.1 million involving deer.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Transportation officials recommend the following precautions:
- Stay vigilant in forested areas and during dawn and dusk hours when deer are most active
- Always wear seat belts and eliminate distractions
- Use bright headlights when no other vehicles are approaching
- Slow down immediately upon spotting deer, as they typically travel in groups
- Avoid swerving to miss deer, which can cause more serious crashes with oncoming traffic or roadside objects
- If a collision occurs, maintain control of the wheel and brake steadily
Officials ask motorists to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police, as crash data helps engineers determine placement of warning signs and other safety measures.
Kentucky recently completed a federally funded study examining wildlife-vehicle collisions along the U.S. 60/Interstate 64 corridor in Jefferson, Shelby and Franklin counties. The $1.2 million project used drones, GPS collars and trail cameras to study deer behavior patterns, with researchers now considering countermeasures including fencing, vegetation management and lighting improvements.
