With the seasonal mating rut of whitetail deer now in full swing, the Wisconsin DOT is releasing statistics on collisions involving Wisconsin’s State Wildlife Animal from 2023, and it places Sheboygan County among the most likely to be involved in such an incident.
In 2023 there were more than 16,000 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin, killing 14 people and injuring another 585. Sheboygan County contributed 712 in all, 4th place in the state. Waukesha County came in #1 with 836, Dane County had 802, Washington County recorded 763, with Sheboygan County sandwiched in between that and Outagamie County’s 614.
Others in the top-10 included Manitowoc County with 600, St. Croix – 591, Fond du Lac – 571, Grant – 490, and Winnebago at 476.
The DOT notes that deer aren’t paying attention to traffic, and so drivers must pay attention to them, and be aware that when one is seen, there are often more that you won’t see. It’s recommended that if you do see a deer, honk your horn to hopefully move them from the roadway, but if you can’t avoid a collision, then brake firmly, stay in your lane and avoid swerving, which can result in loss of control and a more serious crash.
Deer vs. Motorcycles present the greatest risk among motorists. Of the some 16,000 Wisconsin deer crashes in 2023, 196 involved motorcycles, with 11 fatalities and 53 serious injuries. If you’re on a cycle about to collide, the DOT says if you have enough space to swerve without leaving your lane, then brake and adjust course as needed.
Finally, if a collision leaves a deer in the active portion of the road, or in case of injury, call 911 immediately.
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