Motorists beware of deer on roads
It's that time of year again. Kansas Highway Patrol is advising motorists to be cautious of deer activity on and around Kansas roadways this fall.
Deer-breeding season generally occurs during October and part of December which causes a large number of deer-vehicle crashes.
According to Kansas Department of Transportation statistics, 9,950 deer-vehicle crashes occurred on Kansas roadways in 2004, causing 264 injuries and four deaths.
The patrol offers these tips to avoid and mitigate vehicle-deer crashes:
— Intentionally look for deer. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk which are peak movement times for deer and when visibility is low.
— Slow down near woods, parks, golf courses, streams, and deer-crossing signs which are posted where deer-vehicle collisions repeatedly have occurred.
— 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 onto 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 seat belts. Statistics show most people injured or killed in deer-related collisions were not wearing seat belts.
Some of the most serious crashes occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. Do not take unsafe evasive actions. It is usually safer to strike the deer than another object such as a tree or another vehicle.
If a deer is hit, pull over to the shoulder, turn on emergency flashers, and watch for traffic before exiting the vehicle. Do not try to remove the deer from the roadway unless it is obvious it is dead. An injured deer can hurt people.
Dial *47 on cell phones for the nearest highway patrol dispatcher.
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.
