The Kansas Highway Patrol is calling on drivers to use caution as the deer breeding season approaches.   This is the time of year when deer-vehicle crashes increase, and deer can be found on or near roadways at any time of day or night.

Jessica Ward with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks said in a press release, “As deer breeding season approaches and last year’s offspring begin to establish new home ranges, we expect a significant increase in deer movement.  During the rut, Kansans should remain vigilant, as deer can be found on or near roadways at any time of day— especially during dusk and dawn, and in areas where food, water, and shelter are plentiful.”

While the vast majority of vehicle-deer collisions do not result in serious injury, data collected by KDOT indicates that in 2023, seven people were killed and 658 were injured in collisions involving deer.

KHP Captain Candace Breshears said “If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the roadway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it.  Often, we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”

The KHP has several safety tips to remember:

• 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.