It’s deer rutting season and they are on the move.

In Kansas, half of all deer/vehicle collisions occur between mid-October and December, according to  Kansas Highway Patrol Technical Trooper Tod Hileman, Troop D-Hays.

“Always when you’re driving at night slow down, use the bright headlights as much as possible, and know that if you see one deer, they’re probably more right behind it, ” says Hileman.

“The deer are most often going to be concentrated near creeks and where there are lots of trees,” Hileman says.  Deer crossing warning signs are posted along roadsides where numerous deer/vehicle crashes have occurred.

Don’t try to avoid an animal on the road recommends Hileman.  “That’s when most accidents and fatalities occur.  It’s safest to hit the deer and then call 9-1-1.”