By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Wildlife on the roads is just a part of driving in Kansas. It's an even bigger risk each fall as deer begin to migrate more. Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is anticipating another busy season for deer-related accidents.
"Typically, there are a couple of things that cause it," he said. "They're going into rut, which they lose their minds. The other thing is you're getting a lot of milo and corn harvested, and we're disturbing their habitat."
There are ways to minimize risk and injury on the road. Bellendir reminds drivers to wear their seat belts and follow the posted speed limit. If one deer is visible, others are likely in the area. Braking upon impact with a deer can force the front of the vehicle closer to the ground, increasing the likelihood the deer will come through the windshield. Swerving to miss a deer can result in an accident that causes more damage and injury than hitting a deer. In general, Bellendir reminds drivers to be alert and keep their eyes on the road, especially when driving at dawn or dusk.
"Be extremely cautions traveling early in the morning or at dusk," he said. "We'll be working car and deer accidents from now until December. Hunting season opens, too. That opens here in a few weeks, and that will stir them up again, too."
The deer rut season typically runs from October through December. According to Kansas Highway Patrol, if you hit a deer, pull over onto the shoulder and turn on your emergency flashers. Do not attempt to remove a deer from the roadway unless you are sure it is dead.