Potential for deer crashes is high in June

June 1, 2009

Motorists should watch for deer on roadways in coming weeks

Although motorists typically think that deer crashes are a problem mainly in October and November, these crashes are common in June as well.  In four of the last five years, June ranked as the worst or second worst month for motorists’ injuries from deer crashes, according to Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety.

During this time of year, deer frequently dart onto roadways as does look for places to give birth and yearlings wander independently after separating from their mothers.

“From May through August, motor vehicle collisions with deer are more likely to occur between 8 p.m. and midnight, so you need to be particularly vigilant at night. The best way to avoid a deer crash is to drive cautiously and not speed. You also should be buckled up in case a crash can’t be avoided,” Hughes says. “Motorcyclists must be especially careful because collisions with deer can be fatal to motorcycle drivers and passengers. Motorcycles were involved in seven of the 10 fatal deer versus motor vehicle crashes in 2008.”

Deer are the third most commonly struck object in Wisconsin traffic crashes (behind collisions with another vehicle or a fixed object).  Law enforcement agencies reported 15,821 deer vs. vehicle crashes last year.  Dane County had the most motor vehicle vs. deer crashes reported in 2008 with 837. Waukesha County had the second most with 683 followed by Shawano and St. Croix counties each with 575.  In Green Lake County, more than half of all reported crashes in 2008 involved deer.

Tips for avoiding deer collisions

• Be vigilant in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer.
• Drive cautiously at all times.
• Heed deer crossing signs and speed limits.
• Always wear your safety belt—there are fewer and less severe injuries in vehicle vs. deer crashes when safety belts are worn.
• If you see a deer by the side of the road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• When you see one deer, look for another one—deer seldom run alone.
• If you find a deer looming in your headlights, don't expect the deer to move away.
  • Headlights can confuse a deer and cause the animal to freeze.
  • Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path.
• Do not swerve. It can confuse the deer as to where to run.
  • It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
  • The one exception is if you are riding a motorcycle. In this case, you should slow down, brake firmly and then swerve if you need to in order to avoid hitting the deer. When swerving on a motorcycle, always try to stay within the lane, if possible, to avoid hitting other objects.
• If your vehicle strikes a deer, stay in your vehicle and do not touch the animal if it is still alive.
  • The injured deer, in attempting to move, could hurt you or itself.
  • Walking or stopping on the highway is very dangerous – you could be hit by an oncoming vehicle if you get out of your car.
  • The best advice is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call law enforcement.

For more information, contact:
Dennis Hughes, Bureau of Transportation Safety
(608) 267-9075, dennis.hughes@dot.wi.gov