Vehicle-deer crashes can happen any day of the year on Barton County roadways. Across the state, 37% of all single-vehicle crashes in 2022 involved a collision with a deer. The Kansas Department of Transportation reports six people were killed and 575 people were injured in collisions with deer in 2022.
These crashes greatly increase from now until the end of the year because of deer breeding season, with November typically the peak time, said Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
This is why he and state safety agencies are joining to raise awareness and help decrease vehicle-deer crashes. Participating are KDOT, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, AAA Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.
“We’re starting to see an uptick again,” Bellendir said. Some years are worse than others and this year has started out slowly, but as temperatures cool and the fall harvest continues depositing feed for the deer in fields, the animals will be on the move more.
In addition to the increased food source and weather, the deer are in the “rut” (breeding season), he said. This can make them more unpredictable.
And, the sheriff said “If you see one deer, you better be looking for more to follow.”
The worse times of the day fall between dusk and dawn, he said. But, “we see more crashes early in the morning than we do in the evening.”
These conditions will linger through the first of the year, Bellendir said.
“If a deer enters the roadway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said KHP Captain Candice Breshears. “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.”
If you do hit a deer in Barton County, Bellendir suggests following these guidelines:
• Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so and turn on your hazard lights.
• Remain in the vehicle with the seat belt fastened until you are sure it is safe to exit. Do not go near the deer, as it can harm you.
• Call Communications to report the accident and let them know if the deer is blocking the road or if there are any injuries. The non-emergency number is 620-793-1920. If it’s an emergency – always call 911.
• Check your vehicle for any damage.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
State safety officials also suggest:
• 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. Vehicles 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.
More information
Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager for AAA Kansas, said deer can be unpredictable, so even the best drivers are at risk.
“In addition to the inconvenience of your vehicle damage, the cost of repairs may put a serious dent in your wallet,” Steward said. “AAA insurance statistics indicate that the average claim in Kansas for an animal strike in 2022 was almost $7,000 – up more than 60% in just five years.”
Anyone involved in a collision with a deer or other animal resulting in personal injury or property damage totaling $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the incident to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Nadia Marji, chief of public affairs and engagement officer for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, said a common question to the agency is if a hunting license is needed to personally take a deer carcass from a crash scene.
“KDWP has a process in place for this through salvage tags,” Marji said. “A salvage tag is required to remove all or part of a deer carcass from an accident site and can be issued by a KDWP game warden, KHP trooper or sheriff’s deputy.”
