MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reminds drivers to be alert for deer on and along roadways to avoid potentially dangerous crashes. Deer crash numbers typically increase in October and November in Wisconsin as more deer move around during peak mating season.
“This is a busy time of year on the roads for both deer and motorists,” Wisconsin State Patrol Supt. Tim Carnahan said. “It can be hard to spot deer along the road and their movements are unpredictable, so it’s important that drivers are vigilant and avoid distractions while driving.”
Deer are most active during the early morning and evening hours. Be sure to use your headlights as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see, especially as daylight saving time ends in November.
In 2023, there were more than 16,000 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin, killing 14 people and injuring 585 people. Staying alert is an important step to be safe this time of year.
The top 10 Wisconsin counties for crashes involving deer in 2023: