The Kansas Highway Patrol warns drivers to pay close attention to deer crossing Kansas Highways.

 

 Deer/vehicle collision numbers are on the rise, with the KHP reporting 25 such crashes over a 24-hour period last Thursday. Those numbers do not include reports taken by local police departments, sheriff’s offices, or parks and wildlife officers across the state. There were more than 650 people injured in deer crashes in 2023 with 7 fatalities. Shawn Steward of Triple-A Kansas says the human toll can be terrible, but with more than ten thousand accidents with vehicle damage, the monetary cost can be high as well.

 

Deer are commonly on the move around dawn and dusk, so drivers should be especially alert during those times. Caution should also be taken in areas deer are commonly found, such as wooded areas or locations with deer crossing signs. Use your high beams at night and be aware that deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, there are likely more around.

 

Anyone involved in a collision with a deer that results in personal injury or property damage of more than $1,000 is required to report the accident to local law enforcement. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in a suspension of driving privileges.

 

To remove a deer carcass or any part of a carcass, requires a salvage tag, which can be provided by KHP trooper, deputies, or Kansas Department of Wildlife game Wardens.