The deer population in Wisconsin becomes more active in the fall, increasing the chance of vehicle-versus-deer accidents.
Deer crash numbers typically increase in October and November in Wisconsin as more deer move around during peak mating and hunting season. They are most active during the early morning and evening hours.
Statistics
According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in Wisconsin one person was killed or injured in an deer crash every 12.2 hours in 2024.
- 17,432 crashes involved deer in Wisconsin in 2024.
- Despite increasing innovation in vehicle safety protocols, there was a peak in 2024 with 9 motorists killed and 707 motorists injured in deer crashes.
- Deer crashes accounted for 14% of all crashes and 2% of all fatalities in 2024.
- Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury in a crash involving a deer. There is about a 33% 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.
How to avoid hitting a deer
- Be sure to use your headlights as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see, especially as daylight saving time ends in November.
- Deer are unpredictable and may freeze or change directions. Drive at a safe speed, eliminate distractions and make sure everyone is buckled up.
- If one deer crosses, watch for more. If you see a deer, honk your horn to urge 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.
What to do after a deer crash
If you do end up hitting a deer, 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.
- If no one is hurt and your vehicle and 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.