It is that time of year when the weather gets cooler and the local deer population becomes a bit braver on major roadways.
With that in mind, Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch recently joined KVOE’s morning show to discuss the do’s and do not’s for if a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle. According to Koelsch, deer-related vehicle accidents are a year-round concern, however, this is the peak time where collisions are more commonplace.
Koelsch tells KVOE News in the past year there has been close to 150 accidents caused by deer on the roadway within Lyon County. He says the common times to encounter deer on the roadway is between dusk and dawn, yet it is still important to be aware at all times of the day.
Koelsch says this does not just apply to motorists on major highways or county roads as accidents can still occur within city limits.
Koelsch says it is important if you see a deer on the roadway to anticipate more. He adds it is instinctual for drivers to “slam on their brakes” or swerve to avoid a deer on the roadway.
However, Koelsch says this often increases the chance for injuries to motorists and the best thing to do is simply “strike the deer.”
Koelsch says in the event you do strike a deer on the roadway there are several procedures you must follow after.
*Move the vehicle off the roadway or out of the way of traffic.
*If your vehicle suffers over $1,000 in damages you are required to call 911. If your vehicle is disabled or you are injured be sure to inform responders so they can expedite their response.
*Do not try to move the deer or any other animal from the roadway.
After a collision, if you would like to keep the deer, salvage tags are available and may be issued by Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, sheriff’s deputies or Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism game wardens. For more information or questions click here.
