Wisconsin motorists are being urged to be extra vigilant while driving over the next two months. State transportation officials say October and November are among the busiest months of the year for deer activity, largely because it’s mating season.
Donald Lyden with the Bureau of Transportation Safety says motorists need to be wary, especially around dawn and dusk when deer are most active. He says if you see one deer along the side of the road, there’s a good chance others are nearby so you should consider slowing down.
More than 16,000 motorists reported collisions with deer last year in the Badger State, accounting for almost half the traffic crashes in Wisconsin.
If you suddenly find a deer in your path, Lyden says you should resist the temptation to swerve to avoid the animal. He says that can be even more dangerous because you might hit another vehicle or end up running off the road.
If you do have a collision, Lyden says you should pull over and call police. Motorists are urged not to approach the animal, since it can be dangerous if it’s still alive.