Deer crashes rising during late spring, so take caution
Deer crashes rise during late spring, so drivers need to take caution. Crash numbers typically increase in May and June, in Wisconsin, when does look for places to give birth and young deer separate from their mothers.
“Deer can be erratic and hard to spot, so it’s important that drivers are looking ahead and paying close attention to the sides of the road,” said Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent Tim Carnahan. “Everyone on the road should be on the watch.”
There were more than 17,000 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin, in 2024. Preliminary data shows nine people were killed and 708 were injured in those incidents.
Deer are unpredictable, and may suddenly 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.
Carefully scan the road ahead. If one deer crosses, watch for more. If a deer is spotted, honk the horn to encourage them to move away from the road.
If the driver cannot avoid hitting 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.
Most deer crashes happen in the early morning and evening hours. Be sure to use your headlights, as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see.
Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury in a crash involving a deer. Of the deer crashes in 2024, 221 involved a motorcycle, resulting in seven fatalities and 87 serious injuries.
There is about a 37 percent chance that a motorcycle deer crash will result in a fatality or serious injury, compared to less than 0.1 percent in auto or light truck deer crashes. If the driver cannot avoid hitting a deer with their motorcycle and there is enough space to swerve around it without leaving the lane, brake and adjust course, as needed.
If someone does end up hitting a deer, 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 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.
