Nashville, TN – Tennessee drivers are being urged to stay alert this fall as deer-related crashes surge across the state, according to a new advisory from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Officials warn that rural areas are seeing the highest crash risks, especially in counties stretching from Clarksville to Johnson City.
According to THP, deer crashes in 2024 were three times more likely to involve a fatality or serious injury in rural areas compared to urban locations. Recent mapping data highlights collision hotspots around Kingsport, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and parts of Middle Tennessee. Red-marked zones on the state’s traffic map show the heaviest concentrations of incidents, particularly along interstates I-24, I-40, and I-81.
Officials stress that deer are most active during fall breeding season and are more likely to cross highways at dawn and dusk. With shorter daylight hours and increased deer movement, drivers should expect higher risks of sudden encounters.
Safety officials recommend that motorists slow down in marked deer crossing areas, avoid swerving if a collision is unavoidable, and remain especially cautious in rural stretches where fields and wooded areas border highways.
The THP’s “Eyes on the Road” campaign reminds drivers that deer don’t look both ways — making driver awareness the best line of defense against crashes this season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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