Accidents involving deer continue across the region, authorities said.
The latest was at about 6:10 a.m. Thursday when a motorist struck a deer near North U.S. 63 and Primrose Drive north of Houston. There were no injuries. The Houston Rural Fire Department responded.
Because November is a peak month for deer to be on the move, the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to watch for them on roadways.
The state consistently ranks 10th to 15th in the country in deer-vehicle collisions each year, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Numerous deer collisions have occurred recently in Texas County.
Last year, 2,952 crashes with deer were reported in the state, with four deaths and 420 injuries.
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, and they can be unpredictable, stopping in the middle of the road when crossing or suddenly leaping into traffic.
In addition to remaining alert and wearing a seat belt, MoDOT advises the following precautions.
- Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Swerving can cause motorists to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.
- Deer rarely travel alone. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer. If a deer crosses the road in front of you, there is a good chance another deer will be following it.
- Don’t follow another car too closely — the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.