TGES's Blog

The mating season for deer is fast approaching, once again making them an unexpected hazard on our local highways.

At last count, I've seen 5 dead dear along I-35 from Brighton to the Hwy 152 exit.

Please use caution if you see deer standing near a road; their behavior is unpredictable, and they are likely to bolt right in front of your vehicle in a matter of seconds.

Does are being chased by the bucks, and the bucks don't stop for anything.

Hopefully, this will save you and the deer from having a very bad day.

I know there has to be somebody out there in Blogland that will have the answer to this.

I've heard countless times how expensive jersey barriers are, so why is it that instead of moving or "recycling" the old jersey barriers on I-35 near the Paseo, crews are jackhammering them into rubble?

My other question is why would these crews be jackhammering them during rush hour?  What happens when shards of concrete fly into someone's windshield?

Amazing!

I just wanted to put out a friendly reminder that June is another bad month for vehicle/deer accidents.  There have already been several, with two occurring on 435 Wednesday evening that almost resulted in tragedy.  (RV & police car both hit a deer before a semi creamed the RV)

There's a reason for this!!!  Does are delivering their fawns, and are now on the prowl for nourishment.  They move with about as much reckless abandon as the bucks do during the November rutting season.

Please use caution if you see deer moving alongside roads.  Their behavior is unpredictable, and a little added caution could save you and the deer from having a bad day! 

PS to all you "bikers.".  There have already been 3 fatal motorcycle/deer collisions this year in the KC area.  If you try to cut off a deer like I've had at least 10 of you do to me when I'm in heavy traffic this past month, chances are you're going to lose that one....deer don't give you the courtesy of using brakes!

Have a nice day.

I have noticed more and more deer on the move along Hwy 210 and I-35 in recent days, most likely because the soybeans are ripening, and the days are getting shorter. 

Please use caution around dawn and dusk, as these seem to be the times I've seen them close to the highways, and because of the subdued light conditions, it makes them harder to see.

Also, the "rut" will be starting in about a month, so the bucks become careless as their hormones rage, and the does tend to become more erratic, and will often dart into traffic if they're being chased by their male counterparts!

Just trying to prevent costly collisions and injuries to you and the animals.

Please drive safely.

On Friday evening, I was watching with horror the footage from Skyfox of the yellow pick up that burst into flames after hitting the interstate sign footer.

I could only think to myself "what if the victim's loved one(s) are watching, and recognize this vehicle, after it was announced the driver did not make it out alive?"

I appreciate the traffic coverage provided by Fox 4 and others, but is discretion ever used when determining whether to provide live on-air coverage of accidents involving fatalities?

I've noticed on my normal routes lately an increase in deer sightings (both live and unfortunately, hit deer), most likely due to the corn crop being at it's most tender, and because young of the year bucks are being run out of their territory. 

Please remember, deer are unable to get any traction when walking or running across concrete, much the same as if you or I were trying to walk or run across a solid sheet of ice.  They cannot change direction easily, so if you think it will get out of your way, both you and the deer will be on the losing end.

Please use caution, and save yourself and the deer..

After spending 9 years on the bass fishing tournament trail, I've learned a thing or two.  The most important being when NOT to go spend time on one of the area lakes.  Here they are, and the reasons why:

1.  Memorial day weekend - every rookie who has never owned a boat has to take it out for the maiden voyage on this Holiday - never mind if they don't know how to back a boat trailer, or remember that boats require plugs! (this doesn't even address their driving skills with their newly acquired 5,000 lbs of cargo that is BEHIND their vehicle)

2.  4th of July week(end) - every rookie who has never owned a boat now thiinks they're a pro, since they didn't sink the craft over Memorial Day weekend.

3.  Labor Day Weekend:  - every rookie who has never owned a boat is now trying to sell their craft, after realizing how much work, thought and responsibility are required.  The usual patsy is their drinking buddy, who spent the first two dates passed out on the deck of the boat, not seeing the owner bailing out water (cuz he forgot to put the plug in), or that it only took 36 tries to actually get the boat launched from the boat ramp (or the nearest slope that resembled a ramp).

Please have a safe and sane Holiday weekend.  If you're taking your boat out for the first time this weekend, here's one important tip - it's OK to put the plug in early, like right after you read this article... and ALWAYS have a spare, cuz these things seem to vanish into thin air right before boat owners make the claim that the plug WAS in place before they launched!!!  (you can put the spare in backwards to keep the craft seaworthy, while you're driving it to a drydock to drain)