‘Keep your eyes and ears open’: Lancaster County sees uptick in deer crashes

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office reminded drivers Friday to be careful on rural roads during deer season.

At this point last year, Sheriff Terry Wagner said there were 134 deer crashes.  So far this year, 154 crashes have been reported, a 15% increase, Wagner said.

Harvest and hunting seasons are underway, causing deer to move around more often.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission also said that bucks are actively searching for does during breeding season.

“They don’t look both ways before they cross the road,” he said. “I mean, our deputies hit deer on a somewhat regular basis, just like motorists do.”

Wagner said the last 2½ months of the year is when the sheriff’s office sees the majority of car-deer crashes, and they make up a good amount of the work that deputies do.

Wagner said one of the most common places for crashes around Lincoln is on Highway 77, especially around Saltillo Road.

In a press release, Game and Parks provided safety tips for drivers during deer season.

Officials said if you see wildlife in the road, hit the brakes and do your best to avoid it without causing a crash.

“Don’t try to swerve,” Wagner said. “We don’t want people driving into an oncoming traffic lane or swerving into the ditch and potentially roll. Sometimes it’s better to just hit the wildlife if you can’t avoid the crash.”

He said if you do hit one, call authorities if anyone is injured in the crash. If everyone is OK, you can leave the scene and report it later.

If the deer is dead, you can also get a permit to keep it.

But to avoid a crash altogether, drivers should slow down during the morning and evening commutes when near creeks or wooded areas.

“If you come across those areas where you know is a natural pathway for wildlife, slow down,” Wagner said. “Keep your eyes and ears open.”

More information can be found on the Nebraska Game and Parks website.