A man in St. Louis County was fatally struck by a driver while trying to move a deer that had been hit by another vehicle. This incident highlights the increased risk of deer strikes during rutting season. The Missouri State Highway Patrol advises drivers to avoid attempting to remove debris or dead animals from the roadway themselves and instead contact law enforcement. Patrick Clark,Kevin S. Held reported
A man tragically lost his life in a fatal accident that occurred early Monday morning in south St. Louis County. The incident took place when he left his vehicle to remove a deer that had been hit by another driver. This unfortunate incident took place during rutting season, which is the time of year when deer are most active at dawn and dusk. According to the Lakeshire and St. Louis County police departments, the deer was struck between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the southbound lanes of Tesson Ferry near Wolff Drive. The man was struck by a passing vehicle in the northbound lanes as he attempted to move the deer off the road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Corporal Dallas Thompson explained that this time of year sees a significant increase in deer-related accidents due to it being the mating season for deer and other animals. As a result, there has been a rise in the number of dead animal carcasses found on the road, sometimes even obstructing traffic.
The Lakeshire Police Chief, Tim Sullivan, identified the deceased man as Robert Jones, a 58-year-old individual. The driver who struck Jones remained at the scene, cooperating with the authorities. In light of this incident, the highway patrol is urging drivers not to take matters into their own hands when they encounter a dead animal or debris obstructing the road. Instead, they should contact law enforcement or the nearest highway patrol headquarters by dialing *55. By doing so, the proper authorities will be notified and dispatched to handle the situation safely. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) can be reached at their toll-free number, 888-275-6636, for any emergency concerns, such as malfunctioning traffic signals or downed stop signs.
In conclusion, this unfortunate accident serves as a reminder of the increased risks posed by deer during rutting season. It is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and to rely on trained professionals to handle any obstructions or dangerous situations on the road..