WQXE News

The peak season for deer activity on Kentucky roadways has arrived, and state transportation officials are reminding drivers to stay alert for wildlife when traveling.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has issued their annual “Antler Alert”, stating that nearly half of wildlife collisions in Kentucky occur in the last three months of the year during deer mating season. 

The KYTC says there were more than 3,400 highway crashes involving a deer strike in 2024, up about 180 from the year prior and the highest recorded total in the last five years. Six people were killed and 22 were seriously injured in collisions involving a deer last year. Hardin County had the second-highest number of collisions in 2024 with 121.

The KYTC reminds drivers to stay aware on the roadways, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Always wear a seatbelt, use your bright lights unless a vehicle is approaching, and eliminate distractions. Take your foot off the gas if you see a deer as they tend to travel in groups, and if a deer runs out in front of you don’t swerve as it can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object. Report any deer-vehicle collisions to law enforcement.

Learn more about deer collision statistics, and efforts taken to protect drivers and wildlife, on the KYTC website.

The United Way of Central Kentucky supports area residents by connecting the community for the common good.

This week, they’ll support the community in a different way as they host an American Red Cross blood drive Friday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the United Way’s headquarters, located at 604 North Main Street in Elizabethtown.

American Red Cross Account Manager Tammy Ritchie says the need for blood donations remains high.

“The need for Type O, O-positive and O-negative, is in an emergency need right now,” said Ritchie. “Transfusions are happening when needed, but because that is the most common blood type, it is also the most needed, and in an emergency situation, that is what’s going to be transfused until we know that patient’s blood type.”

The Red Cross says somebody in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells, 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma are needed daily.

As an added incentive, all donors from now through October 19 will receive a $10 amazon.com gift card. Schedule your appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code “UWCKY” or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services says respiratory illness activity is currently very low in the commonwealth, with activity for COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and RSV all seeing decreases.

As respiratory virus season typically ramps up in October, the Kentucky Department for Public Health reminds residents to stay home if sick, wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay up to date on vaccinations.

The Lincoln Trail District Health Department has about 15 vaccinations available through their adult vaccination program, including the main culprits of respiratory virus season.

“Flu, COVID, pneumonia, RSV, but even things like shingles, which some folks have a hard time finding that vaccine,” said LTDHD Public Relations Officer Melissa Phillips. “Tdap, which has that whooping cough in it, that pertussis, if you’re around babies this time of year.”

Appointments to the health department can be made by phone call only.

“We want you to talk to an adult, especially our senior adults that sometimes have a hard time making those appointments online, and maybe you need more than one service, so we want you to talk to a live person, so you’ll just call the health department in the county that you’re closest to,” Phillips said. “You don’t have to live in that county to receive services from us, but we do cover Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington.”

Contact the health department or your doctor for more information on vaccinations.