JEFFERSON CITY – Deer, coyotes and other wildlife are evident in rural Missouri and pose a danger when jumping in front of vehicles. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on all roads during the cooler fall months. “As the days grow shorter, more motorists are driving on dark roads when deer are more active,” Natalie Roark, MoDOT state maintenance director, said. “This leads to a larger number of crashes involving deer and other wildlife from mid-October through the end of November.” Fall is breeding season and deer are on the move. A report from State Farm Insurance ranks Missouri 15th in the country for potential deer collisions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 3,639 traffic crashes involving deer in 2020, resulting in 348 injuries and five deaths. Most deer strikes occurred at dawn and dusk in October and November. Drivers should never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as doing so can cause…