Although motorists typically think that deer crashes are a problem mainly in October and November, these crashes are common in June as well.  In four of the last five years, June ranked as the worst or second worst month for motorists’ injuries from deer crashes, according to Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety.

During this time of year, deer frequently dart onto roadways as does look for places to give birth and yearlings wander independently after separating from their mothers.

“From May through August, motor vehicle collisions with deer are more likely to occur between 8 p.m. and midnight, so you need to be particularly vigilant at night. The best way to avoid a deer crash is to drive cautiously and not speed. You also should be buckled up in case a crash can’t be avoided,” Hughes says. “Motorcyclists must be especially careful because collisions with deer can be fatal to motorcycle drivers and passengers. Motorcycles were involved in seven of the 10 fatal deer versus motor vehicle crashes in 2008.”

Wisconsin law enforcement agencies reported 15,821 deer vs. vehicle crashes in 2008.