It’s not just the holiday season across the KVOE listening area.
The vehicle-deer collision season, unfortunately, continues with numerous wrecks since the unofficial start of the season in October. Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch says deer are prevalent outside the Emporia city limits — and, in some cases, in town as well, with reports near the Michelin and Norfolk facilities in southeast Emporia and the Emporia Rescue Mission and Trusler Sports Complex in northeast Emporia.
The traditional collision activity isn’t limited to the fall months anymore, so Koelsch says it’s best to drive defensively at all times.
Koelsch says it’s important to wear seatbelts at all times. He also says it’s best to hit a deer in the way instead of swerving to avoid it. Swerving may make a driver lose control and hit a fixed object instead, increasing the risk of significant injuries or death.
Drivers are required to report crashes involving at least $1,000 in property damage to law enforcement. People wanting to remove a deer carcass from a crash site need to get a salvage tag from deputies at the crash site or from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
