Graves County sheriff warns drivers as deer-related crashes increase

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (KBSI) – The Graves County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to use caution as deer-related crashes increase across the county.

According to Sheriff Jon Hayden, collisions involving deer typically rise between October and December as the animals become more active and are frequently spotted near roadways.

Hayden said this year has followed the same pattern, with deputies seeing an increase in deer-related incidents.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, around 7:30 a.m., a sheriff’s deputy was monitoring traffic in a school zone along Kentucky Highway 121 North when a deer suddenly ran into a passing vehicle.

The incident was captured on the deputy’s dashboard camera.

According to Hayden, the deer appeared unexpectedly and struck the vehicle as it traveled through the area.

The sheriff said similar incidents are common during this time of year, when deer are more likely to cross roads or appear in areas where they are not typically seen.

Drivers are encouraged to reduce their speed and remain alert, particularly in areas where deer may enter the roadway.

Hayden also noted that Graves County appears to have a healthy deer population, sharing a recent trail camera photo of a deer spotted in the western part of the county.

The sheriff’s office is reminding motorists to stay attentive behind the wheel as increased deer activity is expected to continue through December.