Wisconsin ranks second in the nation for deer-motor vehicle accidents. One out of 79 drivers in Wisconsin can expect to hit a deer this year and many of these accidents will happen in the next month. Wisconsin deer-motorcycle accidents peak in late October and early November.
Many people buy deer whistles to prevent such accidents. A deer whistle is a device that attaches to your motorcycle. When you travel at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour, the whistle emits a tone that is inaudible to humans, but can be heard by deer. The sound is supposed to deer stop in their tracks so they don’t dash into your path. Could stopping Wisconsin deer-motorcycle crashes be that simple?
No. According to the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there is no hard evidence that deer whistles actually work. Rob Found, a wildlife researcher at the University of Alberta, says that many deer whistles emit a sound that is outside the hearing range of deer. Even when deer hear the noise, it tends to blend in with background traffic sounds. He cautions against using deer whistles.
Instead of relying on a deer whistle, use care when driving in deer crossing zones, especially during dawn or dusk when deer are most active. Slow down and watch the sides of the road. Deer travel in groups, so if you see one deer, you should expect to see more.
The Wausau motorcycle accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham help injured motorcyclists get fair insurance compensation. To learn more about your rights, use the contact form on this page to request your free copy of The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims, or call Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678.
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