MDOT Warns: Keep an Eye Out for More Deer On State Roads

As the season slowly changes into Autumn, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is urging everyone driving in the state of Mississippi to keep an eye out for deer. According to MDOT, deer become more active and visible on our Mississippi roadways during this time of year.

MDOT leaders say Mississippi averages more than 3,600 reported deer-related crashes each year, causing major property damage, but worse yet, even claiming lives. In 2018, there were 3,855 reported deer-related crashes in Mississippi, but that number could be as high as 22,000, according to one insurance industry analysis.

MDOT offers these tips-don’t veer for a deer:

If a deer runs in front of your vehicle, remain calm and brake firmly. Swerving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, causing even more damage, and remember deer are herd animals, so if you see one, there are more likely to appear.

Always buckle up and drive at a safe speed, and be extra careful while driving at dawn and dusk. About 20-percent of crashes occur early in the morning, while more than half happen between 5 pm and midnight.

At night use high beams, when no traffic is approaching, to illuminate the eye of deer near the road.