With the changing season comes increased activity from deer and a greater risk for car vs. deer crashes. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Wisconsin State Patrol urges drivers to stay alert with more deer on the move during the fall rut or mating season.
“This is the time of year when we typically see the most crashes involving deer,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan. “As the hours of daylight become shorter and more deer are crossing the highways, drivers should be especially cautious and scan the road ahead to prevent dangerous crashes.”
There were more than 17,000 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin in 2024, killing nine people and injuring 707. More than one-third of those crashes happened in October and November. The following counties had the most deer crashes last year.
| County | Deer crashes | ||
| Waukesha | 937 | ||
| Washington | 798 | ||
| St. Croix | 791 | ||
| Dane | 770 | ||
| Sheboygan | 763 | ||
| Fond du Lac | 683 | ||
| Outagamie | 666 | ||
| Manitowoc | 645 | ||
| Walworth | 550 | ||
| Winnebago | 532 |
How to avoid hitting a deer
Deer are unpredictable and may suddenly freeze or change directions. Drive at a safe speed, eliminate distractions and make sure everyone is buckled up. Crash injuries are less severe or can be avoided when everyone wears a seat belt.
Carefully scan the road ahead. If one deer crosses, watch for more. If you see a deer, honk your horn to encourage them to move away from the road.
If you cannot avoid hitting a deer with your vehicle, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid sudden swerving, which can result in a loss of control and a more serious crash.
Most deer crashes happen in the early morning and evening hours. Be sure to use your headlights as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see.
Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury in a crash involving deer. Of the deer crashes in 2024, 221 involved a motorcycle, resulting in seven fatalities and 87 serious injuries. 42% of all motorcycle-deer crashes result in a fatality or serious injury, compared to less than 0.1% chance in an auto or light truck deer crash. If you can’t avoid hitting a deer with your motorcycle and there is enough space to swerve around it without leaving your lane, brake and adjust course as needed.
What to do after a deer crash
If you hit a deer, get your vehicle safely off the road as soon as possible.
· If someone is hurt or the deer is in the active portion of the road, call 911.
· If no one is hurt and your vehicle and the deer are off the road, contact local law enforcement.
· Stay buckled up inside your vehicle and wait for help. Getting out of your vehicle and walking along a road is always dangerous.
· Never attempt to move an injured deer.
