WISDOT Cautions Drivers Of Increased Deer Activity

For a variety of reasons, the month of June sees an increase in the activity of deer population.  Even as actual accidents peak in the fall, the number of injuries caused by deer-vehicle encounters is heightened in the month of June.  One of the primary causes is that female deer are on the move during the month - searching out areas to eventually give birth; in addition, this is also the time of year that mothers and fawns are separating.

This is why officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are alerting drivers to be extra-cautious as they take to the roadways.  According to WISDOT, last year in Wisconsin, law enforcement agencies reported 20,177 deer/vehicle crashes.

Here are a variety of ways you can help to avoid vehicle encounters with deer at any time of the year:

• Slow down, eliminate distractions, and make sure all vehicle occupants are buckled up.
• Deer are most active in early morning and evening hours.
• If you see one deer cross in front of you, watch for more. They usually move in multiples.
• One long blast from your vehicle’s horn may frighten the animal away.

Here's what to do if a collision with a deer is unavoidable:

• Brake firmly. Stay in your lane.
• Avoid sudden swerving which can result in a loss of vehicle control and a more serious crash.
• The one exception is if you are operating a motorcycle, in which case you should slow down, brake firmly and swerve if necessary to avoid hitting the deer. Try to stay within your lane to avoid hitting other objects.

Here's what to do after you hit a deer:

• Get your vehicle safely off the road if possible and call law enforcement.
• Be prepared to describe your specific location.
• It’s generally safest to stay buckled-up inside your vehicle. Walking along a highway is always dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle.
• Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.