Highway Patrol reminds drivers to watch for deer this fall

Published 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2026

With the arrival of fall, deer are more active during evening and nighttime hours, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to watch for animals crossing roads.

Changes in deer behavior can increase road crossings during the fall. Hunting and crop harvesting also may cause deer to appear in places where they are not usually seen.

When deer are spotted, drivers should slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups, so motorists should remain alert after seeing one.

Natural features can also affect deer movement. Areas with streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland may have more deer crossing. Deer-vehicle crashes are not limited to rural areas. In 2025, 22.4% of Missouri traffic crashes involving deer occurred in urban areas.

In 2025, Missouri recorded 2,829 traffic crashes involving deer, an average of one every 3.1 hours. Six people were killed and 435 were injured in those crashes.

Most deer-vehicle crashes occur from October through December, with the largest number occurring in November. Most happen between 8 and 9 p.m.

The patrol reminds drivers that attempting to avoid a deer can result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Motorists are encouraged to remain alert and make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.