MISSOURI – As firearm deer season begins and mating season peaks across the state, officials are warning drivers to stay extra alert on Missouri highways. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reports that deer activity is already surging—leading to a spike in vehicle collisions involving wildlife.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), nearly 3,000 deer-related crashes occurred statewide in the past year, resulting in four fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
Deer Movement Increasing with Seasonal Changes
Captain Scott White of the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that deer crossings are now a daily hazard for motorists across rural and suburban routes.
“We tell people we can give a bunch of statistics and crash numbers, but the truth is you can just drive the highways now and see that those deer are definitely moving, which unfortunately leads to the crashes that we see,” said Captain White.
He added that deer strikes occur almost every three hours in Missouri during the late fall months. These collisions can be catastrophic, especially when deer crash through windshields or cause drivers to lose control.
Avoid Swerving — It Can Be Deadly
Captain White emphasized that swerving to avoid a deer can often cause more serious crashes than the initial impact itself.
“Your first instinct is obviously to hit the brakes, but then it’s also to steer the wheel,” he said. “We don’t want people steering off the roadway and then end up rolling over into a ditch or striking a tree. Even worse, some cross the centerline and hit oncoming traffic, which leads to deadly head-on collisions.”
Officials recommend that drivers slow down, stay centered in their lane, and brace for impact if a collision is unavoidable. Maintaining control of the vehicle can prevent rollover accidents and secondary crashes.
Safety Tips for Drivers
The Missouri Department of Conservation and MoDOT shared the following safety reminders for motorists during deer season:
- Stay alert at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
- Use high beams when possible on rural roads to increase visibility.
- Avoid swerving suddenly; brake firmly and keep both hands on the wheel.
- Wear seat belts—most fatalities occur when drivers or passengers are unrestrained.
- Report collisions involving deer to local authorities or the highway patrol.
Firearm Deer Season Brings Added Hazards
Missouri’s firearm deer hunting season, which began Saturday, is expected to attract over 250,000 hunters statewide. The influx of wildlife movement caused by hunting activity, combined with colder weather and shorter daylight hours, further increases the likelihood of encounters on the road.
The season continues through November 25, a period officials consider one of the most dangerous times of the year for motorists.
“The goal is to help everyone get home safely—both drivers and hunters,” Captain White said. “We just need people to slow down, stay focused, and drive defensively.”
As deer season continues, officials urge Missourians to stay alert and follow all safety recommendations to reduce crashes and save lives.
Stay with HonkNews.com for continuing updates on traffic safety and seasonal roadway alerts across Missouri.