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 Preventing
Deer and Vehicle Collisions
In 2005, Wisconsin
motorists reported 16,989 collisions with deer,
over 15% of all reported vehicle collisions. Twelve
people were killed in these crashes and 554 people
were injured. For the last few years, the Metro
Milwaukee area has averaged 1,775 reported deer
and vehicle collisions each year.
The wildlife
experts at the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital
recommend taking the following precautions to avoid
collisions:
- 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 because a
high number of deer crossings have been reported
in that area.
- Don’t overdrive
your headlights by driving at excessive speeds
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 you are outside city
limits and there is no opposing traffic.
- Get your vehicle’s
brakes and tires checked to be sure they are in
good condition.
- Avoid swerving
from your lane to miss a deer. This could cause
your car to lose control, strike an oncoming car
or leave the roadway.
- Watch for more
than one deer. Deer often travel in groups.
- Avoid frightening
deer. Deer that wander into neighborhoods are
often very frightened and unpredictable. Loud
noises or chasing them may cause them to run into
traffic or even jump through a window! Deer in
neighborhoods will usually find their way out
if left undisturbed.
If you have
questions about a deer that seems to be in distress
in Milwaukee County, call the Wisconsin Humane Society
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204.
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