Fall begins one of the most dangerous times on the road for Kansas drivers. The annual deer “rut” or mating season. The State Transportation Agency says Kansas hit a 10 year high for deer related crashes last year. The State reported 10,603 total crashes this past year. Eight people died in deer related accidents, another 556 injured. Franklin County reported 113 last year, with one death and 12 injuries. The County has seen 39 such accidents so far in October alone.
Surrounding Counties include Anderson County with 95, Miami County with 269, Douglas County with 307 and Osage County with 68 and Linn County with 120.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it’s best to hit the deer, if it is in your path, and not swerve, as most serious crashes happen when people swerve and lose control.
Dawn and dusk are when they are most active and if you see one, there are probably others.
