Info 101: Avoid deer and car accidents during holiday travel

November 29, 9:39 AMOzarks Travel ExaminerPatsy Bell Hobson

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A deer struck by a motorist ended up stuck in the front bumper and grille of the car.

Mating deer populations are a threat to Missouri drivers. There are more deer-auto collisions this time of year because of deer breeding activity. Young deer also are on the move now, because they are leaving family groups and trying to establish their own home ranges. If you see one deer, expect to see more. Deer may be in a family group, or a buck may be chasing a doe.

More than half of last year’s deer-vehicle accidents occurred from September through December. November was the most dangerous month, with 22.8 percent of the years’ deer-car collisions.

Safety tips for drivers from the Missouri Department of Conservation include:
• extra vigilance early and late in the day,
• taking extra care when driving through wooded areas or near stream crossings and
• flashing your lights to scare deer standing on road margins.
• Motorists must be aware that deer often travel in groups, and that if
• a collision is imminent, it's better to hit the deer rather than go into a ditch or oncoming traffic.

Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes are not wearing seat belts. Reduce speed when driving in wet weather, because wet pavement is associated with a higher incidence of deer-car accidents.

If you strike a deer with your car, get your vehicle off the road, and call the police. Don’t approach an injured animal. It could hurt you. Report any injury or damage to your insurance company to ensure coverage.

Hunter allert: Feral Hogs
The Conservation Department asks that all hunters who encounter a feral hog shoot it on sight. Doing so will reduce the feral hog population and keep the spread of this destructive pest in check.

Road safety information
Missouri Department of Transportation
Missouri Winter Driving Tips
2010-2012 Missouri State Map
MoDOT - http://twitter.com/modot

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Note, More info about the photo: In this Nov. 14, 2009 photo provided by the New Castle City Police Department shows a deer that was struck by a motorist and ended up stuck in the front bumper and grille of the vehicle in New Castle, Del. Police, along with the Delaware SPCA, tranquilized the animal and safely released the deer unharmed. (AP Photo/New Castle City Police Dept, Pfc. Thomas Fuller, HO)