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2007-57
PRESS RELEASE:  October 22, 2007
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Lieutenant John A. Eichkorn (785) 296-6800
Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

Troopers Warn of Vehicle-Deer Crashes

The Kansas Highway Patrol is advising all motorists to be cautious of deer activity on and around Kansas roadways this fall. Because deer-breeding season generally runs from October into December, law enforcement officers routinely investigate a large number of vehicle-deer crashes this time of year.

Deer continue to pose a significant traffic hazard in Kansas. According to Kansas Department of Transportation statistics, 9,197 vehicle-deer crashes occurred on Kansas roadways in 2006, causing 291 injuries and 3 deaths. To obtain vehicle-deer crash data broken down by county, log on to: www.ksdot.org/burTransPlan/prodinfo/2006factsbook/Deer.pdf.

"The Kansas Highway Patrol encourages drivers to use extra caution this fall and winter. Troopers investigate an increasing number of vehicle-deer crashes this time of year, with the highest number occurring during the month of November," said Patrol Superintendent Colonel William Seck. "By staying alert and paying attention to the road and roadside, we all may decrease our chances of colliding with a deer."

The Patrol offers the following tips to avoid and mitigate vehicle-deer crashes.

  • 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. 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 *47 (*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 $1,000.00 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.