Prevent an untimely car accident
Tips on avoiding hitting deer during the late fall
Dawn Hughes
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Gently grazing deer can become dashing dangers within seconds. As the deer mating season reaches its peak during October and November, motorists should beware of these hazardous animals.
According to the Nov. 7 Appleton Post Crescent, there were 17, 551 reported accidents in Wisconsin in 2005. In all the collisions, 12 people died, all of whom were riding motorcycles. Motorcycle-deer accidents have a much higher fatality rate than car-deer accidents.
Since Lakeland has such a remote location, students, faculty and staff should take extra precautions when driving. Commuter students who have early morning and/or late night classes should expect to take more time when driving to and from school.
Although a deer-car accident can occur at any time of day, the most prominant times for collisions are at sunrise and sunset. During these times it is best to slow down and watch the sides of the roads with care. The eyes of deer, or any animal, reflect a vehicle's headlights. Deer-accidents can occur on any road, but the most common places are country roads surrounded by woods or large fields.
Buckle up. It is the safest way to ensure a collision with a deer won't result in a human fatality. Observe deer crossing signs. They are erected in areas in which deer have been spotted.
Deer tend to follow snowmobile paths and break out of trees without any thought to the fact that a road is just beyond the tree line. Many people have spotted deer standing at the edge of the road, looking left and right, as though waiting to cross.
It is important to remember that deer have no perception of how fast a vehicle is going. They are likely to bolt across the road at any time.
If you come upon a deer standing at the side of the road, slow down or stop and wait for it to cross. Also be attentive; deer often travel in groups. Where there is one, there could be others.
Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. It is better to hit a deer rather than another vehicle or some other stationary object such as a tree. Reduce your speed as much as possible and keep control of your vehicle. Also, if your car ends up in a ditch, and the police show up, they are far less likely to believe you when you say you swerved to avoid a deer.
On the dreaded occurrence of a collision with a deer, stop, pull over, and call the police. Do not attempt to move the deer. Remember, it is better for the deer to be dead than any person in the vehicle. In the state of Wisconsin, the motorist is entitled to the carcass of the deer he or she hit. If you think you may hit a deer, it could be a good idea to keep rope and/or bungee cords in your vehicle as a means of securing a deer to your car after a collision.
No matter what time of year, deer are often out and about. However, during peak seasons, drivers should take additional precautions while on the road. Drive safe and stay alert.
According to the Nov. 7 Appleton Post Crescent, there were 17, 551 reported accidents in Wisconsin in 2005. In all the collisions, 12 people died, all of whom were riding motorcycles. Motorcycle-deer accidents have a much higher fatality rate than car-deer accidents.
Since Lakeland has such a remote location, students, faculty and staff should take extra precautions when driving. Commuter students who have early morning and/or late night classes should expect to take more time when driving to and from school.
Although a deer-car accident can occur at any time of day, the most prominant times for collisions are at sunrise and sunset. During these times it is best to slow down and watch the sides of the roads with care. The eyes of deer, or any animal, reflect a vehicle's headlights. Deer-accidents can occur on any road, but the most common places are country roads surrounded by woods or large fields.
Buckle up. It is the safest way to ensure a collision with a deer won't result in a human fatality. Observe deer crossing signs. They are erected in areas in which deer have been spotted.
Deer tend to follow snowmobile paths and break out of trees without any thought to the fact that a road is just beyond the tree line. Many people have spotted deer standing at the edge of the road, looking left and right, as though waiting to cross.
It is important to remember that deer have no perception of how fast a vehicle is going. They are likely to bolt across the road at any time.
If you come upon a deer standing at the side of the road, slow down or stop and wait for it to cross. Also be attentive; deer often travel in groups. Where there is one, there could be others.
Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. It is better to hit a deer rather than another vehicle or some other stationary object such as a tree. Reduce your speed as much as possible and keep control of your vehicle. Also, if your car ends up in a ditch, and the police show up, they are far less likely to believe you when you say you swerved to avoid a deer.
On the dreaded occurrence of a collision with a deer, stop, pull over, and call the police. Do not attempt to move the deer. Remember, it is better for the deer to be dead than any person in the vehicle. In the state of Wisconsin, the motorist is entitled to the carcass of the deer he or she hit. If you think you may hit a deer, it could be a good idea to keep rope and/or bungee cords in your vehicle as a means of securing a deer to your car after a collision.
No matter what time of year, deer are often out and about. However, during peak seasons, drivers should take additional precautions while on the road. Drive safe and stay alert.
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