Look for deer, use caution on roads
Motorists are reminded to be cautious of deer activity on and around Kansas roadways this fall.
Kansas Highway Patrol advises deer-breeding season generally runs from October through December. Law enforcement officers routinely investigate a large number of deer-vehicle accidents this time of year.
According to Kansas Department of Transportation statistics, 9,108 deer-vehicle crashes occurred on Kansas roadways in 2003, causing 332 injuries and no deaths.
The patrol offers the following tips to avoid deer-related accidents:
— Intentionally look for deer. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, which are the 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 have repeatedly 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 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 of deer near a roadway.
— Always wear a seatbelt. Statistics show that most people injured or killed in deer-related collisions are not wearing seatbelts.
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 the vehicle hits a deer, pull over onto the shoulder, turn on the emergency flashers, and watch for traffic before exiting the vehicle. Do not try to remove the deer from the roadway unless it is dead. An injured deer could hurt a person.
Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer accident that results in personal injury or property damage that totals $500 or more is required to immediately report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. On Jan. 1, the minimal damage amount will increase to $1,000.
Failure to report any traffic accident is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.
