Slow Down During Deer Season and

 “Drive Through the Deer”

Missouri motorists should slow down during deer season. Deer are one of fall’s most common causes of auto accidents. The Missouri Highway Patrol indicates that as mating season and hunting season combine with a high number of deer, the number of deer-related auto accidents usually rises.

Watch for Deer on the Road:

• If you see a single deer on the side of the road, you should slow down during deer season especially, and expect to see more.
• Your odds of surviving a collision with a deer are better if you drive through the deer rather than trying to swerve to avoid it. Over correction and/or loss of  control are usually the reason for fatalities and serious injuries when avoiding deer. The same goes for a squirrel, rabbit, or dog. None of us want to kill these animals on the road, but often swerving is far more dangerous than actually hitting the animal in the road.
• Use your high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams help illuminate the eyes of a deer and make them more visible.

 Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics show that there are auto accidents involving deer throughout the year. However, this number substantially increases in the fall. This is especially true during deer season when the deer are moving for mating and to avoid hunters.

Deer Seemingly Pop Out of Nowhere!

Deer seem to appear on the road out of the thin air during deer season. Slow down during deer season and pay careful attention to increase your reaction time so that you can avoid deer on the road.

However, if you cannot avoid a deer on the road, you should apply your brake but drive through the deer. Swerving to avoid a deer can cause more damage to your vehicle and may also cause accidents with other nearby vehicles.

We’re Here to Help

If you have been involved in an auto accident and have been injured through no fault of your own, you may need legal representation. Our attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, have more than 40 years of experience when it comes to auto accidents and truck accidents. Representing your rights is what we do best. Call (573) 686-2459  or contact us to discuss your accident. We’re here to help.