Wisconsin Officials Warn Drivers of Deer Crashes

October 2, 2014

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says drivers should stay alert for deer this fall after more than 18,000 vehicle crashes with deer were reported last year.

Post-Crescent Media reports the agency says most wrecks occur in October and November due to the mating season. It says eight people died in Wisconsin in 2013 out of the 18,338 crashes with deer reported.

Transportation officials say 17 percent of car crashes and 14 percent of truck crashes resulted in fatality or injury, compared with 68 percent for motorcycle crashes.

Waukesha County had the most crashes in 2013 with 809, followed by Dane County with 786 and Shawano County with 748.

The department recommends drivers slow down and blast their horns if they see a deer, because more are likely nearby.