With Missouri’s roads becoming increasingly hazardous due to animal collisions, especially deer, residents of Excelsior Springs and surrounding areas are urged to take caution and know the correct steps to take to report roadkill. The Show-Me State has risen to 10th in the nation for potential animal collisions, marking a significant risk for drivers. In 2022 alone, Missouri witnessed 3,699 crashes involving deer, resulting in five fatalities and 424 injuries. This upward trend underscores the importance of knowing how to address roadkill encounters safely.
For dead animals on city streets within Excelsior Springs, citizens are advised to contact Animal Control at (816) 630-0816 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or the non-emergency police line at (816) 630-2000 outside of these hours. Should the roadkill be on a county roadway, the Clay County Highway Department at 816-407-3300 is the appropriate contact. For state highways, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) can be reached at 1-800-ASK-MODOT.
“The safest place you can be on a roadway – especially on a highway – is in your vehicle,” warns Sarah Boyd, Public Relations Manager at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. “Any time you get out of your vehicle, you put yourself at risk of getting hit.” Given the stopping distance required for a passenger vehicle traveling at 65 mph is nearly the length of a football field, stepping out into the roadway endangers not only the pedestrian but also other drivers.
MoDOT maintains nearly 34,000 miles of highways across Missouri. Residents need to remember that if a deer or other animal is struck and is off the roadway, MoDOT will not remove it unless it impedes mail delivery or is near a bus stop in a neighborhood. However, if the dead animal or debris is in a driving lane or poses a safety hazard, MoDOT crews will respond to remove it. MoDOT does not have specialized crews for roadkill removal and does not outsource this task.
Drivers are reminded never to swerve to avoid animals as it can lead to loss of vehicle control, potentially causing severe injuries or death. Instead, always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway for wildlife. In case of striking an animal, it is safer and more responsible to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, ensuring roads remain safe for everyone.
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I dont get why Hazlett would worry about his privacy of his records I don’t agree with that part of the law. If they have proof that you’ve done something and in his case they do then it needs to be put out there for all to see I would hate to see this man go free after everything he has been accused of , yes, you have the right to a fair trial, but I believe that Fair trial means put all your cards out on the table that have already been found a fact, don’t lie to the jury and tell them something that’s not truthful that could harm somebody else in the end