Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – June 13, 2024 – In Jonesboro alone, there have already been 27 collisions with deer this year.

October, November, and December are peak months for these incidents, but we’re already starting off hot in NEA.

Arkansas is in a high-risk category… the state is the 14th highest in deer/vehicle collisions in the US according to the latest research from State Farm.

Deer jump out in front of vehicles of all colors, but according to a study by the WBGV Law Group, they’re most likely to collide with white and silver vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that crashes with deer cause about $4 billion in vehicle damage each year, and close to 200 people are killed in deer collisions annually.

Preventive Measures to Avoid a Deer Collision

  • SLOW DOWN. This is #1 tip to avoid hitting a deer. The more conservatively you drive, the more time you have to react if a deer darts out in front of you.
  • Watch for the “shine” of deer eyes reflecting along the sides of the road, and slow down if you see some.
  • If there’s no oncoming traffic, use your high beams to increase road visibility.
  • The phrase “deer in the headlights” is based in fact: Deer often freeze in the road because they’re mesmerized by bright, steady lights. Flashing your lights can help break the trance, as can giving one long blast of your horn.

Deer are tough creatures, and after they’ve been hit, adrenaline kicks in and they will struggle off into a covered area. But sometimes the collision with the vehicle immobilizes them, and they’re unable to move from the area of impact.

In some instances, members of the Jonesboro Police Department have had to make a humane decision on the scene. According to JPD Public Information Specialist Sally Smith, officers have had to put down 4 deer in Jonesboro since January 1.