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 9,670 total crashes this past year, four people died in deer-related accidents, another 471 injured. Franklin County reported 113 last year, with 12 injuries. The County has seen 42 such accidents so far in October alone.
Surrounding counties include Anderson County with 88, Miami County with 242, Douglas County with 268, Osage county with 142 and Linn County with 118.
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.
