It happened to more than 9,000 Kansas drivers last year, killing at least five of them -- the most in ten years. Even a Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy had it happen to him.

Deer on rural roadways is a common danger across the country. Many driver's will hit at least one in their lifetimes. But in Kansas, the numbers may surprise you.

Ken and Cindy Roth of Whitewater were driving home from work after last week's general election. As they headed north on a rural stretch of Greenwich Road, a four-point buck lunged in front of their car.

"He was just right there," says Cindy Roth. "We didn't even see him until he was right there in front of us."

Cindy's husband says he even slowed down minutes before the impact because of the number of deer he sometimes sees.

"We were looking for them," says Ken Roth, "and we still hit one."

The Roth's are not alone.

Last year, 9,417 drivers hit deer on Kansas roads. The Kansas Highway Patrol estimates that's almost one deer every hour of every day. Total damages climbed above $61,000,000 for Kansas drivers.

The Roth's say the don't plan to repair their older model car. With damages estimated at more than $4,000, they're going to buy another one.

"[The deer's] head popped around and hit the side of the car," Ken Roth says. "He busted everything out... It's going to cost more to repair than it's worth."

Authorities are warning drivers to be extra cautious in November. This month typically sees the highest number of deer-car strikes.

Statewide in 2007, almost one in eight car accidents involved deer. The KHP says that's almost three times the number of accidents involving drunk drivers.

The most populated areas of the state recorded the most hits. Johnson County recorded 375 deer accidents. Sedgwick County was a very close second at 357 accidents.

Despite the numbers, deer account for only 3% of all accidents in these two counties. Statewide, the average is 13%.

But if you travel north to Jewell County, authorities say be extra careful. Although there were only a total of 136 accidents in Jewell County last year, 96 of them - or 70% - involved a deer.

Numbers like that give the Roth's reason to reflect.

"In just an instant, your life can change that quickly," Cindy Roth says.

For about $6, you can buy what's called a "Deer Whistle" at many stores, including Wal-Mart. The small device attaches to the bumper of your car.

As you drive, manufacturers say the funnel-shaped whistle emits a super-sonic sound that frightens deer away from the roads.

There are many skeptics who say the device doesn't work, but the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department puts one on every patrol car. While deputies have hit deer in the past, the department believes the whistle has helped keep the overall number of deer strikes down.

Officers say the worst deer accidents involve drivers who swerve to avoid the deer. In most instances, it's best if you strike the animal. Authorities say slamming on the brakes and swerving can send a driver off the road or into oncoming traffic, resulting in more serious injuries.

Bottom line: officers say all drivers should slow down at night and be aware of their surroundings. Deer will inevitably jump into traffic -- but with a little precaution, you might be able to avoid them.