Seven Utah Roadways Emerge As Top Deer Collision Danger Zones For Drivers

My brother Dave recently wrote an article explaining why fall turns deer and drivers into unwilling participants in Utah's most dangerous meet and greet. It's an interesting read, and if you've ever wondered why perfectly reasonable deer suddenly decide the middle of a highway is the ideal place to contemplate life choices, you'll want to check it out here.

That got me wondering where the biggest deer-crossing hot spots are around the state. You know, those stretches of road where drivers instinctively ease off the gas, mentally prepare to explain antler-shaped dents to their insurance agent and maybe consider getting their next car in hunter orange.

After extensive research, and by "extensive research" I'm talking about a deer call and the confidence of a man who clearly should have gone to bed earlier, I compiled a list of seven places where motorists and Bambi seem determined to schedule annual meet-and-greets.

U.S. 89 near Kanab

This corridor is a major migration route for the Paunsaugunt mule deer herd. UDOT reports dozens of deer collisions in the area, and wildlife underpasses are being added specifically to reduce crashes.

U.S. 89 between Hatch and Kanab

Utah DWR and UDOT have identified this stretch as a wildlife-vehicle collision hotspot and are studying mitigation measures.

State Route 9 east of Zion National Park

The US-89/SR-9 study area has been identified as a significant wildlife collision corridor.

State Route 18 between Diamond Valley and Central (Washington County)

DWR has deployed seasonal warning systems here because it is a recognized deer-collision hotspot, especially during winter migrations.

Interstate 15 near Leeds

Additional wildlife fencing has been installed here to reduce deer and other wildlife collisions.

U.S. 191 north and south of Monticello

A statewide UDOT wildlife-conflict study ranked this as the number-one wildlife crash hotspot in Utah. While Monticello is in southeastern Utah, it is one of the state's most significant deer-collision areas.

U.S. 491 and U.S. 191 near Monticello and the Colorado border

DWR and UDOT are conducting collision-reduction studies here because of persistent high deer mortality and public safety concerns.