CROFTON, KY (WFIE) -
A truck-deer accident kills a western Kentucky man.
Kentucky State Police say 21-year-old Zachary Hawkins of Crofton died when the animal crashed through the windshield. A teenage passenger in the truck was hurt.
Police say although these accidents are for the most part unavoidable, there is a way to keep safe, and it's all about your reaction.
Officials with Department of Natural Resources say it's actually safer to hit the deer head on, then to try to swerve around it. Officials say if you swerve, you're putting yourself in even more danger.
Mike Kellner with DNR says, "Odds are you'll be better off hitting the deer than trying to avoid it because you lose control of your car and most of the time things get worse."
Kellner says deer are especially active right now because it's breeding season. He also says it doesn't matter what time you're driving, that there's always a chance of a deer darting out in front of you.
He says, "You've got to be aware of that. Look to the left, look to the right. Put the coffee down, put your cell phone down, pay attention to what's going on out there."
Kellner says you're more likely to encounter deer in wooded areas, but that doesn't mean you won't see them in town.
If you do hit a deer, you're advised to stay at the scene if it's safe, and call law enforcement.
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