Local law enforcement agencies are asking motorists to be on the look out for deer in the roadway because the animals have entered their breeding season. Deer were involved in 9,197 vehicle crashes in 2006, according to the state.
In Cowley County last year, 234 out of 933 motor vehicle accidents involved deer.
The breeding or rutting season for the animal begins in October and runs through December. During this time, deer are even more likely to be moving about than usual. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Cowley County Sheriff’s Office both record a higher number of deer-related accidents this time of year.
You can take a look at the state’s deer factsbook here.
The Highway Patrol offers the following tips for avoiding deer and for handling a collision should one occur:
Intentionally look for deer. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, which are the peak movement times for deer and when visibility is low.
Increase your following distance between vehicles. Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle you are following will give you additional time to slow down and avoid a collision.
Drive at a modest speed, particularly on roads near woods, parks, streams, or creeks. Reducing your speed will decrease the likelihood of striking a deer.
Watch for deer-crossing signs. They are placed in areas where vehicle-deer collisions have occurred frequently.
Deer usually travel in groups. When one deer crosses the road, there may be others about to cross. Be prepared to stop for others darting into the road.
Slow down when approaching deer standing near roadsides. They have a tendency to bolt, possibly onto the roadway. Use emergency flashers to warn oncoming drivers after you see deer near a roadway.
Always wear your seat belt and use child safety seats when appropriate.
Some of the most serious crashes occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal, according to the patrol.
Do not take unsafe evasive actions. It is usually safer to strike the deer than to strike another object, such as a tree or another vehicle.
If you hit a deer, pull over onto the shoulder, turn on your emergency flashers, and watch for traffic before exiting your vehicle. Do not try to remove a deer from the roadway unless you are sure it is dead; an injured deer could hurt you.
If you have a cellular phone, dial *47or *HP for the nearest Highway Patrol dispatcher or *KTA (582) for assistance on the Kansas Turnpike.
Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash that results in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.
