Have you seen deer on the road? Here’s how to avoid them and what to do if you come across them.

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO (KCTV) – There were more than 3,500 deer-involved crashes on Missouri roadways last year, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (Department of Commerce and Insurance | DCI). Deer-related vehicle accidents peak during mating season, typically late October to early December.

With many Missourians expected to hit the road for the holidays next week, MSHP advises drivers to be especially careful at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

“We have had vehicles completely refurbished; people were seriously injured when they were struck by a deer,” said Corporal Justin Ewing of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “We want people to know about it.”

Rule #1 if you see a deer on the road? Don’t roll to avoid this.

“By deviating, you only create the risk of an even greater disaster,” Ewing said. “If you hit a deer, sometimes it might deploy the airbag or something like that, but when you turn, the potential for hitting another vehicle or running off the roadway could result in a much larger or more serious accident.”

If you hit a deer, move your car to a safe location and call for help. To begin the repair process, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Elite Dent Repair in Overland Park says repairs can take several weeks.

“It just depends on the severity,” said Jason Johnsen, owner of Elite Dent Repair. “If you hit it hard in the front, do any structural damage, hit the radiator or any other support in the front, it could easily last 3-4 weeks.”

Last year, there was a car crash involving a deer every 2.5 hours in Missouri. If you see a deer on the road, an easy way to avoid an accident is to honk your horn.

“If you turn on your horn and honk your horn, you will hopefully scare the deer off the road and scare him further away,” Ewing said. “I think the most effective thing is to pay attention, wear your seat belts and take extra caution at this time of year, knowing that danger may exist.”

MSHP also advises that if you see one deer, there are likely more in the area. In addition, MSHP also advises using hourly high beams (when possible) to increase your field of vision on the road.

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