With peak season underway for deer activity in Kentucky, drivers are being urged to stay extra watchful as state transportation officials issue their annual Antler Alert, reminding everyone that wildlife collisions are on the rise this time of year.
State Highway Engineer James Ballinger says deer-related crashes spike in the fall, with over 700 reported in November alone last year—the highest of any month. He urges drivers to be extra alert at dawn and dusk and slow down where deer may cross, noting that a little caution can prevent serious crashes.
Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, says deer activity will peak this year as mating season gets underway from late October through December, as foliage disappears and crops are harvested.
In 2024, state transportation officials reported 3,406 highway crashes in which a vehicle struck a deer, an increase of nearly 180 over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years. As a result of those collisions, officials say six people were killed – three more than the previous year – and 22 were seriously injured, which was a decrease from the previous year.
Data shows Hopkins County recorded the highest deer-related crashes in Kentucky last year, with 133, followed by Hardin County with 121 and Boone County with 102. Officials noted that half of the state’s top ten counties for these types of collisions are in western Kentucky, which included 97 deer-related crashes in Warren County, 94 in Daviess County, and Christian and Muhlenberg counties each had 89 deer-related crashes, ranking seventh highest in the state.
Although these counties aren’t in the top ten, the 2024 data shows 46 deer-related crashes in Lyon County, 28 in Trigg County, 13 in Caldwell County, and 9 in Todd County.
State Farm’s annual report shows over 1.7 million animal collision claims in the U.S. for the year ending June 30, 2025, with more than 1.1 million involving deer—despite a national drop in wildlife-related crashes.
The Transportation Cabinet offers these driving tips to stay safe:
- Stay Aware: Be vigilant, especially in forested terrain, and during dusk and dawn when deer are most active.
- Be Prepared: Always wear a seat belt (it’s the law) and eliminate distractions (phones down!).
- Turn On Headlights: Keep them on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
- Slow Down: Take your foot off the gas immediately if you spot a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
- Don’t Swerve: Trying to avoid a deer can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
- If there’s a Crash: Keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
Motorists should report all deer-related crashes to police, helping KYTC traffic engineers improve safety and place warning signs.
