Deer, Elk Collisions Snarl Kennewick Area Roads
Washington State Patrol investigated three wildlife-vehicle crashes involving two deer and an elk on Monday morning.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Wildlife
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Washington State Patrol troopers responded to three separate collisions between vehicles and wildlife near Kennewick on Monday morning. Two involved deer and one involved an elk, including a truck that struck the elk.
Why it matters
Deer activity rises in autumn as bucks search for mates over larger territories, and earlier sunsets now overlap peak deer movement with commuter traffic. Drivers in the Kennewick area face higher collision risk during dawn and dusk hours.
Three separate wildlife-vehicle collisions were reported on Monday morning, one on State Route 395 near Connell, one on I-182 south of Kennewick and one on State Route 240 in Richland. More than half of all deer-vehicle collisions statewide occur in October and November, and the report does not say whether any drivers were hurt.
The players
Washington State Patrol
The state law enforcement agency that investigates traffic collisions on state highways, including wildlife-related crashes, across Washington.
The details
Troopers responded to a truck striking an elk and to two separate deer collisions across the region. Vehicles kill hundreds of deer every year in Washington, and peak deer movement occurs at dawn and dusk.
Timeline
Monday morning: three wildlife-vehicle collisions reported near Kennewick.
October and November: peak months for deer-vehicle collisions statewide.
Dawn and dusk: peak deer movement, overlapping commuter traffic.
Autumn: increased deer activity as bucks search for mates.
Seasonal Patterns
Washington's deer-vehicle collisions concentrate heavily in October and November, when more than half of the annual total occurs. The three Monday crashes near Kennewick fit that autumn pattern as bucks roam farther during mating season and earlier sunsets overlap dawn and dusk commutes.
Drivers on Kennewick-area roads should expect higher deer and elk activity during dawn and dusk commutes this autumn. Slowing down and scanning road edges during those hours can reduce the chance of a collision.
The takeaway
Autumn commutes near Kennewick carry the highest wildlife risk at dawn and dusk, when deer movement peaks. Reducing speed and watching road edges during those windows is the most practical step drivers can take.
Further reading
For more on wildlife movement and roadway safety, see the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Radio 610 KONA.
Live Poll
Do you plan to drive more cautiously at dawn and dusk this autumn?
