Watch out! Deer crashes increase in Spring

GREEN BAY, WI—(WGBW)— The Wisconsin State Patrol reminds drivers to watch for deer on roadways this spring to avoid dangerous crashes. Especially here in Northeast Wisconsin, where five of the top 10 Wisconsin counties for deer crashes are located.

Deer crash numbers typically increase in May and June in Wisconsin as deer start looking for places to give birth, and young deer separate from their mothers.

“Deer can be erratic and hard to spot, so it’s important that drivers are looking ahead and paying close attention to the sides of the road,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan in a press release. “Spring and fall are the times when we see the most deer crashes. Everyone on the road should be on the watch.”

There were more than 17,000 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin in 2024. Preliminary data show nine people were killed and 708 were injured in those incidents.

The top 10 Wisconsin counties for crashes involving deer in 2024:

• 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 deer crashes

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 challenging to see.

Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury in a deer crash. Of the deer crashes in 2024, 221 involved a motorcycle, resulting in seven fatalities and 87 serious injuries. There is about a 37% chance that a motorcycle deer crash will result in a fatality or serious injury, compared to less than 0.1% in auto or light truck deer crashes. If you cannot 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

There are a few things to keep in mind if you do end up hitting a deer this spring:

• Get your vehicle safely off the road, if possible.
• If someone is hurt or the deer is in the active portion of the road, call 911.
• Contact local law enforcement if no one is hurt and your vehicle and the deer are off the road.
• 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.