The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging motorists to exercise increased caution on the state’s roadways as deer activity and vehicle-versus-wildlife crashes rise significantly during the fall and early winter months. According to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, troopers investigated 1,652 vehicle-versus-wildlife crashes statewide in 2024, with the majority occurring in the fall and winter months when deer movement is most active.
During the official fall and winter months of 2024, ALEA troopers responded to 1,243 such crashes, compared to 409 crashes during the spring and summer months. The data indicates a clear upward trend beginning in the fall and peaking during the winter rut season. In January alone, there were 328 crashes, while December saw 288.
“While these numbers only represent crashes investigated by our troopers and not those handled by local law enforcement, the data clearly shows an increase in collisions during the fall through winter months,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “We urge everyone traveling Alabama’s roadways to stay alert, particularly in rural and wooded areas where deer are most active.”…