Deer Season Increases Car Accident Risks in Kansas
Highway officials warn of the increased risk during deer breeding season for serious car accidents and injuries.
In Kansas, deer breeding seasons runs from October through December each year. During this time, deer-related car accidents in Salina are a major concern. In addition to causing extensive property damage, they have the potential to result in serious and even life threatening injuries. At Neustrom & Associates, we want you to be aware of the potential dangers and what you can do to reduce your risks of being involved in a deer-related car accident.
Deer-Related Car Accidents in Kansas
If you live in or around the Salina area, you may have experienced the sudden shock of rounding a corner only to find a deer standing in the road or having one bolt out suddenly from wooded areas. Dealing with surges in wildlife during deer breeding season is more than just a minor inconvenience for drivers. It can put them at risk for potentially severe injuries.
According to the latest available statistics from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KSDOT), close to 11,000 deer-related car accidents occurred in the state over the course of 2016, a number which has increased steadily over the past several years. In addition to the major damages these collisions cause, they are responsible for nearly 600 injuries and close to 10 highway traffic deaths each year.
In Saline County alone, more than 100 people are involved in deer related car accidents annually. This accounts for roughly 10% of the total number of traffic collisions that occur in our area.
Protecting Yourself and Your Passengers During Deer Season
The Kansas Highway Patrol warns drivers that the risk of deer-related car accidents is nothing to take lightly. As the deer population continues to swell and new road and housing developments drive them from more natural habitats, these types of collisions are becoming increasingly common.
Direct impacts with deer are not the only cause for concern. Drivers swerving or stopping suddenly to avoid hitting wildlife can trigger a chain reaction and make collisions more likely to happen. To protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the roads, highway patrol recommends the following tips:
- Avoid distractions and be alert for deer on the road, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.
- Reduce your speed at deer crossing signs and near golf courses, parks, streams, and wooded areas where deer are more likely to congregate.
- If you see a deer, avoid sudden evasive actions which could put you in greater danger. It is generally safer to hit a deer than other obstacles or drivers on the road.
- Wear a seat belt at all times. Not doing so increases your risk for serious injuries if a deer-related accident does occur.
Reach Out to Our Salina Car Accident Attorney
At Neustrom & Associates, we can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries and damages when you are involved in a deer-related traffic accident. Contact our Salina car accident attorneys right away and request a consultation to discuss your case.