Drivers Urged to be Watchful of Deer on the Move
By: KOLR10 News
Updated: September 30, 2012
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. --- It's deer mating season, meaning the animals are more active and likely to be in the path of humans.
The Missouri Highway Patrol warns deer are more likely to be seen during evening and early dawn hours this time of year, so drivers need to be on the lookout.
In Missouri, there were more than 3,500 crashes involving deer last year. 4 people were killed.
"The big thin we tell people is, don't panic and don't overreact. A lot of times, if you swerve or overreact that something in the roadway that creates a problem than what you initially would have if you were to just strike the deer," says Patrol Sargent Mike Watson.
Along with staying alert, troopers says everyone in your vehicle needs to be wearing a seat belt to protect you if the unexpected happens.
The Missouri Highway Patrol warns deer are more likely to be seen during evening and early dawn hours this time of year, so drivers need to be on the lookout.
In Missouri, there were more than 3,500 crashes involving deer last year. 4 people were killed.
"The big thin we tell people is, don't panic and don't overreact. A lot of times, if you swerve or overreact that something in the roadway that creates a problem than what you initially would have if you were to just strike the deer," says Patrol Sargent Mike Watson.
Along with staying alert, troopers says everyone in your vehicle needs to be wearing a seat belt to protect you if the unexpected happens.
