The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is issuing an "Antler Alert" to remind motorists that it’s peak season for highway collisions involving deer and other wildlife on the move.

“Shorter days and cooler nights, October through December, bring a noticeable increase in highway collisions involving deer,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Drivers should be vigilant at all times, but the autumn presents a special challenge for drivers, with deer and other wildlife increasingly on the move, often at night.”

Highway crash rates involving wildlife increase sharply in October, November and December with mating seasons, hunting seasons and fall harvests, which will prompt deer to roam in search of new hiding places and sources of food.

In Kentucky, 2,091 highway crashes involving deer were reported to police in 2020, according to a data base maintained by Kentucky State Police. Of that total, 70 occurred in Pulaski County, Casey (6), Adair (8), Boyle (7), Lincoln (7), Marion (19), Russell (14), & Taylor (41).

A complete list is here.

KYTC offers these driving tips to help improve safety:

• Slow down immediately upon spotting a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
• Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, which can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
• In the event of a crash, keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
• Always wear a seat belt.
• Keep headlights on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
• Eliminate distractions while driving: Phones down!
• Drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

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.