Antler Alert Reminds Kentuckians to Drive Safely and Watch for Deer

3,228 highway crashes with deer were reported to police in 2023.

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(Frankfort, KY) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reminding motorists to watch out for deer and other wildlife on roadways this fall and winter as state transportation officials issue the annual Antler Alert.

Nearly half of all deer collisions occur during the last three months of the year.  According to deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Joe McDermott, deer are roaming more right now because it is their mating season.

In Kentucky there were 3,228 highway crashes where a vehicle struck a deer were reported in 2023. This is nearly 150 incidents over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years.

There were three reported fatalities and thirty serious injuries. Fall’s shorter days and cooler nights put deer on the move, as do crop harvesting activities.  

Of the total crashes, Boone County had 121 of those.

On average, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 128 chance of a collision with an animal. Kentucky ranks above the national average at 1 in 98 chance.

The Transportation Cabinet says to stay aware especially in forested terrain. Make sure you keep your headlights on bright unless vehicles are approaching. Do not swerve to avoid a deer, this could result in a more serious crash. Slow down if you see a deer crossing the roadway as they often travel in groups. If you crash make sure to keep both hands on the wheel and apply breaks steadily.

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. 

In addition, KYTC is partnering this year with the KDFWR to study wildlife-vehicle collisions in Kentucky as one of 17 states to receive a federal grant aimed at making roadways safer for people and wildlife. The $1.2 million award will fund a wildlife-vehicle collision reduction plan and a pilot study in central Kentucky to identify links between wildlife crashes and environmental factors.