University of Wisconsin - Extension

Increased deer activity in the fall also means heightened danger to motorists.

Each year, Wisconsin has approximately 2,000 deer vehicle crashes that are extremely costly in terms of property damage, injuries and even deaths. Investigators at the new Deer-Vehicle Crash Information Clearinghouse in Madison are looking at ways to reduce the number and severity of deer-vehicle collisions.

The Clearinghouse includes the states of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. UW-Extension is helping the clearinghouse spread the word on tips to avoid deer accidents.

Although considered an economic and environmental resource, each year deer cause approximately $34 million in damage, 800 injuries and five deaths. Before hunting season, the deer herd in Wisconsin is estimated at 1.6 million.

Clearinghouse members are reviewing research on collision reduction technologies, from motion detectors, deer crossings and roadside vegetation to fences and reflectors.

The most effective crash avoidance strategies already are in driver¿s hands. The Clearinghouse offers these tips to help avoid deer vehicle accidents:

• Be alert. While deer-vehicle crashes happen throughout the year, more than half occur either in the October or November mating season or in the May-June birthing season when deer are most active.

• Watch out between dusk and dawn. Deer move back and forth from daytime bedding sites to evening feeding areas. A high percentage of deer-vehicle crashes occur during the low-light or dark hours between dusk and dawn.

• Expect deer at crossing signs. Deer crossing signs identify stretches of road where deer crashes frequently occur. Slow down to increase your response time. Scan the sides of the road for deer when driving through woods or near river and stream banks.
• Drive defensively. If you spot a deer anywhere near the road, slow down and expect the deer to dart in front of you. If there¿s one deer, watch carefully, there will probably be more.
• Don¿t swerve. If a deer is in your path, use your brakes not your wheel. Swerving can take you into the path of an oncoming vehicle or into the ditch. Both are potentially far more dangerous than striking a deer.