The Kansas Department of Transportation is urging motorists to watch for deer crossing roadways during the fall mating season.

Vehicle-deer crashes can happen any day of the year, but they greatly increase from October through December because of breeding season.

KDOT is working with the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and AAA Kansas to raise awareness of the danger and decrease the number of crashes.   In 2022, six people were killed and 575 people were injured in vehicle-deer crashes statewide.

Drivers are urged to remember 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 alert and reduce speeds near wooded areas or green spaces 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; but they can happen on any roadway, including city streets.
• Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Motorists could then veer into oncoming traffic, run off the road, hit objects or overturn.
• Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan for the reflective eyes of deer.
• If a collision occurs, move the vehicle to the roadway’s shoulder. Then, if possible, call law enforcement – KHP dispatch at *47, the Kansas Turnpike at *KTA or local law enforcement at 911.
• Put the vehicle’s hazard lights on, whether it is light or dark outside.
• Remain in the vehicle with your seat belt fastened to be better protected.
• Contact your insurance company to report any vehicle damage.