Avoid Hitting a Deer and What to Do If You Do
Avoid Hitting a Deer and What to Do If You Do
As winter peeks forth and temperatures dip, Missouri residents brace themselves for the harsh winter months, complete with icy roads and the occasional snowstorm. However, there's another reason for caution during this time of year that often goes overlooked: the increased risk of collisions with whitetail deer. These graceful creatures are a quintessential part of the Show-Me State's landscape, but their increased movement during the October and November rut can put them in the path of drivers. That includes the wooded roads around Ellisville and other parts of Greater St. Louis.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol figures reported by MoDOT, deer were involved in 2,952 Missouri crashes in 2024. October and November are the peak months for deer movement and collisions, especially around dawn and dusk.
2,952Missouri deer-related crashes in 2024
Oct-NovPeak months, especially dawn and dusk
Should you swerve to avoid hitting a deer?
Fight the instinct to swerve! Instead, brake firmly, keep both hands on the wheel, and stay in your lane. A sudden swerve can put you in the path of another driver or send you off the road. MoDOT warns against swerving to avoid an animal.
If you spot a deer with enough room to stop, slow down and give it space. It's important to wait before proceeding, as another deer may be close behind the first.
Additional safety tips for avoiding deer collisions in Missouri
Keep your seat belt on every trip; it can reduce your risk of serious injury if a collision happens. This advice may seem obvious, but it's too life-saving not to include. Other tips?
- Slow down near wooded stretches and deer-crossing signs. A lower speed gives you more time to spot movement at a bend or along a dark shoulder. Ease off the gas before you reach a stretch where brush blocks your view.
- Watch both shoulders and the traffic ahead. A deer standing still can bolt across the road. Leave room for the driver ahead of you to brake suddenly, too. You may see their brake lights before you spot the deer.
- Use high beams on dark roads when conditions allow. Switch to low beams for oncoming traffic and when you're following another car.
- Look again after one deer crosses. Wait for a clear road before you continue.
- Stay in your marked lane. Moving toward the center to avoid deer near the shoulder can put you beside opposing traffic or into a left-turn lane.
If your brakes or tires need attention before fall, schedule service with Bo Beuckman Quality Ford. Give yourself a chance to address a problem before you need to brake hard for a deer.
What should you do if you hit a deer?
1
Move out of traffic if you can. Pull over and turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle is blocking a lane, call 911 and tell the dispatcher where you are.
2
Check everyone for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Stay away from an injured deer; it can kick or get up suddenly. Tell the dispatcher or local police if the animal is still alive.
3
Take photos when it's safe. Document your vehicle, the roadway, and visible damage from a safe place. Stay out of traffic to get the pictures.
4
Call your insurer. A direct hit on a deer is generally covered under optional comprehensive coverage. If you swerve and hit a tree or another vehicle instead, damage to your car falls under collision coverage. Check your deductible and policy terms, as detailed by Missouri's insurance department.
5
For substantial vehicle damage, contact local law enforcement to report the collision and find out whether an officer will respond. Call 911 if the deer is blocking traffic.
You can also report a deer carcass blocking a state-maintained road to MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Don't try to move it yourself. If you want to claim a deer you struck and killed, you'll need written authorization from a Missouri Department of Conservation agent using its free Wildlife Disposition Form.
Can you drive the car after hitting a deer?
Don't decide from the bumper alone. If you see leaking fluid, damaged lights, or loose parts, or you're unsure the vehicle is safe, call a tow truck.
Common vehicle damage caused by deer collisions
Once you're safely off the road, note any visible damage or leaks. A repair inspection can check what is hidden behind the panels.
- Front-end bodywork. A deer can dent or crush the bumper, grille, hood, and fenders. Scratched paint may need attention, too. If your vehicle has driver-assistance sensors behind the grille or bumper, our team can check whether the impact affected them.
- Windshield damage. Cracked or shattered glass can obstruct your view. Bo's windshield repair and replacement guide explains the repair options. If you cannot see clearly, arrange a tow.
- Headlights and turn signals. Check whether they still work from a safe location. A broken light affects what you can see and how well other drivers can see you.
- Radiator and cooling system. A front-end impact can puncture a radiator or loosen a hose. Leaking coolant or a rising temperature gauge means you should stop driving; continuing could damage the engine.
- Steering and suspension. If the steering felt different while you were pulling off the road, tell the repair team. Do not drive again to test it. Bo's service center handles steering and suspension repairs.
- Airbags. If an airbag deployed, arrange a tow so the vehicle can be assessed before it goes back on the road.
Bring your vehicle to Bo Beuckman Quality Ford after a deer strike
Once everyone is safe, our collision center in Ellisville can inspect your vehicle, including damage hidden behind the body panels. We'll give you a written report and cost estimate, then explain which repairs are needed for safe operation and which are cosmetic. You'll have something concrete to discuss with your insurer before deciding how to proceed.
Our team handles Ford auto glass and frame straightening, and our collision center is a Certified Aluminum Body Repair Facility. We use Ford Original Parts for Ford repairs. If you'll need transportation while your car is in the shop, ask us about loaner availability. We can also discuss early or after-hours drop-off for a drivable vehicle.
Contact our collision center about an estimate, or call 636-227-5700 and tell us what happened. If there's any doubt about the car's safety, arrange a tow to our Ellisville collision center.
By Sarah Beuckman Faron
Sarah Faron is the Marketing Manager at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford and represents the third generation of the Beuckman family to help run the dealership. She lives in Wildwood, Missouri with her husband and their three children.
