Antler Alert to warn motorists of fall deer threat

FRANKFORT, Ky — On common, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 116 likelihood of colliding with an animal, based on information from State Farm Mutual Vehicle Insurance coverage Co.

Nevertheless, Kentucky ranks above the nationwide common and 18th among the many states at 1 likelihood in 88. By comparability, drivers in neighboring West Virginia run the very best danger with a 1 in 37 likelihood.

Because the climate cools, deer exercise will increase. The Kentucky Transportation Cupboard is conscious of this seasonal hazard to motorists. To attenuate the risk, the group has kicked off its annual “Antler Alert” marketing campaign.

This messaging push drives dwelling a number of easy steps the general public ought to take to guard themselves. The primary is to decelerate the second you notice even one deer. That’s as a result of the animals are inclined to journey in teams. Don’t swerve to keep away from deer both. Doing so could result in a extra critical crash, with an oncoming automobile or a roadside object.

Within the occasion of an precise collision, preserve each fingers on the wheel and interact the brakes steadily till you cease. It additionally pays to scan the highway continuously whereas driving, particularly at daybreak and at nightfall. Deer are significantly energetic throughout these hours.

KYTC additionally encourages motorists to report any deer-vehicle collisions to the police. KYTC engineers use the data to deploy deer-crossing indicators and different security measures.