AAA Carolinas is warning drivers to be extra alert this Thanksgiving season as a record number of drivers are hitting the road during the height of the “rut” season for deer.

During this time of the year, it’s common for deer to lose their cautious mannerisms in their pursuit of mates, according to AAA’s press release.

North Carolina saw a total of 17,901 crashes reported from colliding with a deer in 2024 – crashes in October and December accounted for 47.5% of the total, according to NCDOT.

“The fall is a big season for the deer population in North and South Carolina,” said AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety President Tiffany Wright. “With deer more apt to be on or around the roads, motorists need to be extra vigilant when driving. Visually make a continuous sweep of the road

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