sponsored by
Zeiner's Angler Supply
The Kansas Angler Online
and Swim Tail Lures |
NOVEMBER MARKS PEAK OF DEER-VEHICLE
ACCIDENTS
Peak period of mating activity,
other factors, puts deer on the move
October 27, 2007 - Kansas Department of
Transportation (KDOT) statistics show that November is the month
when the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions occur. Motorists
are encouraged to be on particularly high alert about mid-month
-- historically when deer-vehicle collisions are highest. The
main reason there is a greater potential for deer-vehicle accidents
in November is the deer mating season, called the "rut,"
which peaks in mid-November.
In addition, deer tend to widen their forage range
as they build up fat reserves for the winter. They often migrate
from one range to another during the early winter, exposing themselves
on highways. A reduction in daylight hours also contributes to
increased deer-vehicle collisions because deer are largely nocturnal
and begin moving near sunrise or sunset, when many people are
commuting to and from work.
Since 2002, the number of deer-vehicle accidents
in Kansas has stabilized at about 9,000 annually. In 2006, there
were 9,197 deer-vehicle collisions in Kansas, slightly up from
2005 but lower than in previous years. An emphasis on harvest
of antlerless deer and the availability of additional antlerless
deer permits from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
is credited with stabilizing deer numbers and reducing deer-vehicle
accidents in recent years. Deer-vehicle collisions occur in every
Kansas county. Usually, counties with the highest human populations
record the most deer-vehicle accidents. In 2006, Johnson County
had the most accidents with 363 followed by Sedgwick County with
359 and Butler County with 302.
Motorists should observe the following tips to
avoid deer collisions:
* be especially watchful at dawn and dusk when
deer are most active;
* deer seldom travel alone, so if one deer crosses a road,
there may be others following;
* reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces
such as parks or golf courses and near water sources such as
streams or ponds;
* don't swerve to avoid a collision with a deer because most
serious accidents occur when motorists are taking evasive action;
* watch for deer crossing signs and always wear a seat belt;
and
* use bright lights, watch for the reflection of deer's eyes,
and slow down whenever deer are spotted.
For more information, phone the Kansas Department
of Transportation toll-free at 1-877-550-5368.
Back to
Zeiner's Angler Supply | Kansas
Angler Online |
Swim Tail Lures
|