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Beware of deer while driving this time of year

If you're driving in Walworth County, you have a much better chance of smacking a deer than if you're driving in Rock County.

And this is the time of year to watch out.

Walworth County had four times as many vehicle versus deer crashes in 2009 than Rock County, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported. Walworth County had 289 deer crashes, and Rock County had 72.

About 16,338 motorists hit deer statewide, according to the department, and the majority of crashes occurred in October and November.

Deer are the third-most commonly struck object in Wisconsin traffic crashes behind collisions with other vehicles and fixed objects, the department reported.

Sometimes, the wrecks are fatal. Motorcyclists were involved in five of the six fatal deer-vehicle crashes in 2009, according to the department.

Most crashes occur in the next two months when rutting bucks are chasing does, and they often happen at dusk and dawn because deer are moving to bedding and feeding areas, said Donald Lyden of the Wisconsin Bureau of Transportation Safety.

Dusk and dawn also happen to be the time when many drivers are commuting between home and work, increasing the likelihood of collisions, Lyden said.

Car-deer crashes have become so common in southern Wisconsin that Rock County sheriff's deputies won't respond to the accidents unless the road is blocked or a person is injured, Capt. Jude Maurer said.

Instead, drivers should fill out a self-report form, and they can use the report to file an insurance claim, he said.

If you want to keep the deer, call the sheriff's office or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to tag the animal, Maurer said.

Leave the deer off the road if you don't want it, and the county will have it picked up in a day or two.

Avoiding deer

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers this advice for avoiding deer collisions:

-- Be cautious and slow down in the early morning and evening hours when deer are most active.

-- Wear your safety belt.

-- Pay attention to deer crossing signs.

-- If you see a deer, slow down and blow your horn to scare it away.

-- When you see one deer, look for another.

-- Don't expect a deer in your headlights to move.

-- Brake firmly when you see a deer in your path.

-- Don't swerve away from a deer and risk hitting another car or object.

-- If you're riding a motorcycle, swerve if necessary.