Motorists Encouraged to Be on the Lookout for Deer
Vehicle-deer crashes can occur any day of the year on Kansas roadways, with 39% of all single-vehicle crashes in 2024 involving a collision with a deer.
The Kansas Department of Transportation reports that five people were killed and 674 people were injured in collisions with deer in 2024. These crashes increase significantly from now until the end of the year due to deer breeding season, with November being the peak time.
“Serious crashes are more likely to occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer, as this can lead to loss of vehicle control, departure from the roadway or collisions with oncoming traffic,” said KHP Lieutenant Chad Crittenden. “It is often safer to brake firmly and stay in your lane.”
Several organizations, including KDOT, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, AAA Kansas, and the Kansas Turnpike Authority, are joining to raise awareness and help decrease deer-vehicle crashes.
Author's summary: Motorists are warned to be cautious of deer on Kansas roadways.