Press Releases

Thursday, May 22, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:  Angela Speed
 (414) 431-6104  aspeed@wihumane.org

SAFETY ADVISORY                                                              

Watch Out for Deer!

MILWAUKEE – As we all know, Memorial Day weekend means an increase in highway traffic. This is also peak time for deer to give birth to new fawns and these new families are very active this time of year. According to the DNR, approximately 45,000 deer are victims of vehicle collisions every year in Wisconsin; this puts the state in the top 10 for deer collisions in the nation! The Department of Transportation reports that 640 people were killed or injured in 2006 due to deer-vehicle collisions, as well.

The Wisconsin Humane Society would like to remind people to follow these tips to avoid injuring deer and staying safe on the roadway, especially before the Memorial Day weekend:

• Stay alert. Watch for deer near roadways.
• Slow down whenever you see deer near roadways; they are very unpredictable.
• Slow down in deer crossing zones. The signs are posted there for good reason.
• Don’t “overdrive” your headlights at night. If a deer jumps out into the roadway, will you be able to stop in time? Slow down to make sure you can brake for deer.
• Use your high beams when driving at night when there is no opposing traffic.
• Maintain your vehicle’s brakes and tires in good condition.
• DO NOT swerve out of your lane to miss a deer. This could cause your car to strike an oncoming car or to leave the roadway, possibly causing a roll-over.
• Watch for more than one deer. Deer often travel in groups.

To schedule a time to talk with Scott Diehl, the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife manager, please call Angela Speed at (414) 431-6104.

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