Last year fourteen people were killed in deer crashes in Wisconsin, twice the number of deaths reported in 2009, according to the State's Department of Transportation.
The total number of collisions with deer went from 16,338 in 2009 to 16,947 in 2010, a slight increase, and out of proportion with the much higher increase in fatalities.
Wisconsin is now right in the middle of the most dangerous period for deer-related accidents, says Jeff Pritzl, district wildlife supervisor of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It is the deer mating season, and, "Deer will be on the move 24 hours a day in search of a receptive doe who is ready to breed," Pritzl added.
During the mating season, deer cross roads frequently, creating additional hazard for Wisconsin motorists. The way to avoid deer collisions is to drive slowly in forested areas, to keep the high headlight beams at night as often and as long as possible and above all, to keep everyone in the car securely restrained by seat belts.
If you see a deer cross the road in front of you, slow down your vehicle immediately to avoid other animals that may appear, as deer often move in groups.