Be on the lookout for more crossing deer during fall rut
Drivers are reminded to be alert for deer on, and along, roadways, to avoid potentially dangerous crashes. Deer crash numbers typically increase in October and November, in Wisconsin, as more deer move around during peak mating season.
“It can be hard to spot deer along the road and their movements are unpredictable, so it’s important that drivers are vigilant and avoid distractions while driving,” said Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent Tim Carnahan.
Deer are most active during the early morning and evening hours. Be sure to use headlights as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see, especially as daylight saving time ends in November.
In 2023, there were more than 16,000 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin, killing 14 people and injuring 585 people. Staying alert is an important step to be safe this time of year.
Deer are unpredictable, and may freeze or change directions. Drive at a safe speed, eliminate distractions and make sure everyone is buckled up. Crash injuries are less severe or can be avoided when everyone wears a seat belt. Scan the road ahead carefully. If one deer crosses, watch for more. If there’s a deer, honk the horn, to urge them to move away from the road.
If it’s unavoidable to hit a deer with the vehicle, brake firmly and stay in the same lane. Avoid sudden swerving, which can result in a loss of control and a more serious crash.
Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury in a crash involving a deer. Of the approximately 16,000 deer crashes last year, 196 were motorcycle crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities and 53 serious injuries. If it’s unavoidable to hit a deer with the motorcycle and there is enough space to swerve around it without leaving the lane, brake and adjust course, as needed.
If a deer is hit, get the vehicle safely off the road, if possible. If someone is hurt or the deer is in the active portion of the road, call 911. If no one is hurt, and the vehicle and the deer are off the road, contact local law enforcement.
Stay buckled up inside the vehicle and wait for help. Getting out of the vehicle and walking along a road is always dangerous. Never attempt to move an injured deer.
