BY KEITH LIPPOLDT

klippoldt@gbtribune.com

Animals vs. vehicle accidents are a significant safety concern across the United States, particularly in areas like Kansas, which has miles and miles of unpopulated stretches of highways, wild animals prowling in the ditches and fields, and large deer populations. 

When traveling the highways around Great Bend and Barton County, it isn’t unusual to find the roadways littered with possums, skunks, raccoons and deer. It also isn’t unusual to find the remains of assorted grills, headlights and mirrors beside the animal remains. 

Although animals in the roads are a year-round danger, fall and early winter is the most dangerous time for deer. Deer rutting season in Kansas typically takes place from October to December. The peak rutting season is usually around mid-November, but the exact timing can vary depending on the region and environmental factors. 

According to onxmaps.com, some experts are predicting there will be two distinct rutting periods in the same season this year, due to the Hunter’s Moon, which peaked in mid-October. The earlier Hunter’s Moon and shorter days lead to a substantial rutting period in October, with another expected peak around Thanksgiving. Like much of the U.S., Kansas experiences an increase in deer activity during the fall (breeding season) and winter months.

 In 2022, Kansas had 10,024 deer-vehicle crashes, which was 37% of all single-vehicle crashes that year. 575 people were injured and six were killed in these collisions. 

Barton County has seen its share of deer vs. vehicle accidents this year and Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir says this has actually been an average year for deer strikes.

“In Barton County, we normally get about 250-300 reports of deer vs. vehicle accidents,” he said. “I would say there are probably that many that don’t get reported.”

He says that knowing your surroundings and what is going on around you can make your drive safer.

“Be most aware the first thing in the morning and right after dark,” Bellendir said. “This is when they are most active, especially during rut. They are also very active when the farmers are working in the fields. Most of the crops are in now so that should slow down some.”

Local collision repair shops benefit from the deer vs. vehicle incidents. Jerry Damm of Damm Body Shop in Great Bend says it is a year round problem, not just a cold weather problem.

“Deer are out all year long,” he said. “There are a lot more out this time of year but they are out there all the time. I would say this has been an average year for accidents so far. There has been quite a few, but nothing unusual.”

Here’s an overview that might help avoid accidents and what to do if you’re involved in one. (SOURCE: AAA and Farm Bureau)

  Deer vs. Vehicle Accidents in the U.S.

• Frequency: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur annually in the U.S. These accidents result in thousands of injuries and several fatalities each year.

 High-Risk Areas 

• Collisions are more common in rural areas, with Midwest and Northeast states like Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia reporting higher rates of deer-related accidents due to higher deer populations.

 Costs

• Financial Impact: The average cost of a deer-vehicle collision in terms of vehicle damage and medical expenses is about $4-5,000 per incident. 

• Insurance: Comprehensive auto insurance often covers damages from wildlife collisions, but deductibles can still add up.

 How to Avoid Deer-Vehicle Accidents

• Drive Defensively: Always be aware when traveling through deer-friendly landscapes that include trees, high grasses and a source of water, whether that be a pond or a river.

• Use High Beams: At night, use your high beams, when possible, to increase visibility. However, be sure to dim them when another vehicle approaches.

• Slow Down: Reducing speed in areas where deer are likely to cross the road can give you more time to react.

• Look for Movement: If you see one deer, assume there are others nearby. Deer seldom travel alone.

 Avoid Sudden Swerving

• If a deer suddenly crosses your path, it might be tempting to swerve to avoid it. However, this can lead to losing control of the vehicle or hitting other objects. Instead, brake firmly and stay in your lane.

According to Kansas Highway Patrol Captain Candice Breshears, it’s often safer to hit a deer than to swerve to avoid it. Swerving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, leave the road, or enter oncoming traffic. 

 Install Deer Deterrents

• Deer Whistles: These devices emit a high-pitched sound that some people believe can warn deer of an approaching vehicle, though their effectiveness is debated.

• Reflectors: Some drivers install reflective devices on the front of their vehicles, though their effectiveness is also uncertain.

 What to Do If You’re in a Deer-Vehicle Accident

• Pull Over: If you’re involved in a deer accident, pull off the road as soon as it’s safe. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

 If an accident occurs

• Check for Injuries: Make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay. If anyone is injured, immediately call 911.

• Stay Inside the Vehicle: If an accident occurs on a busy road, it’s safer to remain in your car until help arrives. Getting out of the car could put you at risk of being hit by other vehicles.

 Report the Accident 

• Even if there are no injuries, it’s essential to report the incident to local law enforcement. This ensures that the deer is removed from the road and creates an official record of the collision for insurance purposes.

• Do not approach the deer: Deer that survive a collision may be injured or in shock. They can be dangerous, so avoid approaching them. Wait for animal control or law enforcement to handle the situation.

 Document the Scene

• If possible, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the location of the accident, and any relevant road conditions.

• Write down the time, location, and any other details about the accident to assist with insurance claims.

 Insurance Claims

• File a Claim: If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance should cover damages caused by a deer collision. Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Seek Medical Attention

• If anyone is injured, be sure to get medical care even if the injuries seem minor at first.

By staying aware of your surroundings while driving, adjusting your driving habits to slow down in deer-friendly areas, and knowing how to respond to accidents, you can significantly reduce the risks posed by deer-vehicle collisions.