MEMPHIS, TN — AAA is urging Tennessee motorists to be especially cautious this fall as deer become more active during breeding season and crashes with wildlife rise across the state. The auto club says October through December are among the most dangerous months for deer collisions, particularly on rural highways, wooded roads and two-lane routes.

That warning comes as Tennessee continues to see thousands of deer-related wrecks each year. AAA said more than 8,000 such crashes were reported statewide in 2024, leading to five deaths and more than 460 injuries.

The group says drivers often have only a few seconds to react when a deer suddenly enters the roadway, making speed, attention and roadway conditions especially important during the fall months.

Tennessee saw more than eight thousand deer crashes in 2024

AAA – The Auto Club Group released its warning Thursday, Nov. 12, saying the fall driving season is the period when Tennessee drivers face the greatest likelihood of deer collisions. The organization pointed to the state’s 2024 crash total as evidence that the problem remains serious and widespread.

Those crashes were not limited to property damage. AAA said the collisions caused five deaths and more than 460 injuries across Tennessee last year. The organization did not break down the crashes by county, but it emphasized that rural and wooded areas pose the most risk.

Roads with limited lighting, narrow shoulders and heavy tree cover can make it harder to spot wildlife in time. AAA said drivers traveling through those areas should expect deer activity to increase as the season progresses.

Why fall brings a sharper deer danger

AAA says the seasonal spike is tied to the animals’ fall breeding period, when deer move more frequently and are more likely to cross roadways without warning. The risk becomes even greater around dawn and dusk, when deer are naturally most active and visibility is often reduced.

That combination can catch drivers off guard, especially on routes where deer-crossing signs are posted or where wooded areas line the roadside. AAA says motorists should stay focused and scan the edges of the roadway, not just the lane ahead.

The organization also warns that deer often travel in groups. That means a driver who spots one animal may still face another crossing moments later, even after the first deer appears to have cleared the road.

AAA says swerving can make a crash worse

One of AAA’s strongest warnings is about what not to do if a deer suddenly appears. Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said drivers should avoid making sudden steering movements, even though swerving may feel like the instinctive response.

According to Cooper, trying to dodge a deer can cause a driver to lose control or leave the roadway. That can lead to a more severe collision with a tree, guardrail, utility pole or another vehicle.

Instead, AAA says the safer move is usually to brake firmly while keeping control of the vehicle if a crash cannot be avoided. The goal is to reduce the chance of veering into something else and turning a wildlife encounter into a more serious wreck.

Safety advice for roads where deer are common

AAA is telling drivers to slow down on rural roads and in areas marked with deer-crossing signs. The organization also recommends staying alert during dawn and dusk, when animals are more likely to be moving near or across the roadway.

When conditions allow, drivers can use high-beam headlights to improve visibility. AAA says motorists should also watch carefully for extra deer after seeing one near the road, since more animals may be close behind.

The group’s advice is straightforward: brake firmly if necessary, stay in the proper lane and avoid sharp steering maneuvers. Those steps, AAA says, can lower the odds of a crash becoming worse than it needs to be.

Insurance and post-crash steps matter too

AAA also wants drivers to think about insurance before a deer strike happens. The organization says damage from hitting a deer is usually covered under comprehensive auto insurance, not collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage is generally optional and is designed to cover certain losses that do not involve another vehicle, including animal strikes. AAA says drivers should review deductibles and confirm their coverage with their insurance provider so they are not surprised after a crash.

If a collision does happen, AAA recommends moving to a safe location if possible, turning on hazard lights and photographing the damage and scene once it is safe. Drivers should not approach injured deer, which can behave unpredictably, and should contact law enforcement when required before notifying their insurer.