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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
414.431.6104 aspeed@wihumane.org
SAFETY ADVISORY
Keep Deer Out of Your Headlights
MILWAUKEE – The leaves have begun to fall, a sure sign that white-tailed deer are gearing up for their mating season. Consequently, deer are very active and October and November are annually the peak months for deer/vehicle collisions on Wisconsin’s roadways.
In Wisconsin during 2008, 10 people died in motor vehicle-deer crashes. In addition, 99 people suffered incapacitating injuries; less serious injuries totaled 243, and 183 potentially suffered other injuries, according to the state DOT. The DNR reported recovering over 31,951 deer carcasses from Wisconsin roadways.
Stay safe and help deer by following these helpful tips from WHS Wildlife Manager, Scott Diehl:
- Stay alert – watch for deer near roadways.
- Slow down whenever you see deer near roadways – they are very unpredictable.
- Slow down in deer crossing zones – the signs are posted there for good reason.
- Don’t “overdrive” your headlights at night – if a deer jumps out into the roadway, will you be able to stop in time? Slow down to make sure you can brake for deer.
- Use your high beams when driving at night whenever possible.
- Maintain your vehicle’s brakes and tires in good condition.
- Avoid swerving out of your lane to miss a deer – this could cause your vehicle to strike an oncoming vehicle or to leave the roadway, possibly causing a roll-over.
- Watch for more than one deer – deer often travel in groups.
- Avoid frightening deer – deer that wander into neighborhoods are often very frightened and unpredictable. Loud noises or chasing them may cause them to run into traffic or even jump through a window! Deer in neighborhoods will usually find their way out of difficulty if left undisturbed overnight.
To schedule a time to talk with Scott Diehl, the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife manager, please call Angela Speed at (414) 431-6104.
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