This time of year marks the period when vehicle-deer collisions increase, and Kansas roadways are no exception.
The Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and AAA Kansas have offered tips to assist drivers as they navigate Kansas roadways, including what to do if motorists have a collision with a deer.
While the vast majority of vehicle-deer collisions do not result in serious injury, data collected by KDOT indicates that in 2021, six people were killed and 622 were injured in collisions involving deer.
- To avoid incurring costly vehicle repairs, or worse, state experts offer these helpful safety tips:
- Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk when deer are more active.
- If you see one deer, expect others, as deer seldom travel alone.
- Be extra vigilant and reduce vehicle speeds near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
- Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle-deer collisions have occurred in the past; be extra cautious in these areas.
- Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. The most serious crashes can occur when motorists veer into oncoming traffic and collide with another vehicle; or run off the road, hit objects, or overturn.
- Always wear a seatbelt and use appropriate child safety seats, as these are the best defenses in any collision.
- Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the roadways ahead for the reflective eyes of deer.
- If a collision occurs, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, if possible, and call law enforcement – KHP dispatch at *47, the Kansas Turnpike at *KTA or local law enforcement at 911.
- Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. If a secondary collision would occur, motorists are better protected when inside their vehicles and properly restrained.
Anyone involved in a collision with a deer resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the incident to the nearest law enforcement agency.
To remove a deer carcass, or any part of a deer, from a collision site, a salvage tag must first be obtained. Salvage tags can be issued by KDWP game wardens, sheriff’s deputies, or KHP Troopers.
