The mating season for deer has begun, causing them to throw caution to the wind when it comes to motorists. HERE ARE some tips for driving in deer country:
Last weekend four vehicle-deer accidents occurred in Allen County, an uptick in such accidents. Often the rut extends into December.
Gilbert Covey, rural Elsmore, Brenda Clark and John Hutton, both of Humboldt, and John Rawlings, Pleasanton, all had vehicles damaged in collisions with deer on roadways.
During 2011, when nearly 9,200 deer crashes occurred in the state, two Kansans were killed.
— Keep a close eye on the road ahead, as well as its shoulders. Usually deer are seen with enough time for drivers to react. Also, remember that deer often move in groups. If one deer is seen, expect others to be nearby.
— When a deer is spotted, slow and sound the horn to scare the animal away from the road.
— If a collision is inevitable, apply brakes firmly and don’t swerve. A head-on collision is better than swerving and losing control of a vehicle.
— Dawn and dusk are when deer move about the most. But deer don’t observe time schedules, particularly during the rut. Two of the weekend accidents occurred about 8 a.m., the other two about 8 p.m.
— Wear a seatbelt.
— Deer aren’t bound to any particular areas, but they usually prefer brush and timbered areas and frequently travel along streams and draws. Be extra careful when approaching any of those landscape features.
— Don’t depend on fender-mounted whistles to repel deer. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, extensive studies have found that whistles do not work. The only way to avoid striking a deer, the KHP cautions, “is to drive defensively.”
— If an accident occurs, immediately contact authorities by calling 911. Give an preliminary assessment of the accident, including whether anyone is injured.
Drivers beware: Rut is on
