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Seven deer struck in one day

The Green County Sheriff’s Department reports seven different vehicle collisions with deer between 3:45 a.m. and 7:12 p.m. on Tuesday. None of the motorists involved in the collisions were injured and damage to the vehicles ranged from minor to severe.

Tips for being prepared if a deer crosses the path of your car By Frank Schultz

The worst time of year for car-deer crashes is upon us. The state Department of Transportation says it's time to think about what you would do if you encounter a deer in your headlights.

Q: Why is this the worst time of year?

A: The deer mating season, known as the rut, occurs in October and November. That means deer are on the run more than at any other time.

Q: What's the most dangerous time of day?

A: Both dawn and dusk, when deer are moving to and from their bedding and feeding areas.

Q: How big is the danger?

A: The DOT reports 12,878 vehicle-deer crashes in 2006. A report by State Farm Insurance rated Wisconsin sixth in number of deer crashes. Illinois was rated fifth. The danger of dying in a deer collision is the greatest for motorcyclists. Motorcycles were involved in five of Wisconsin's seven fatal deer-vehicle accidents in 2006. All 12 vehicle-deer crashes that killed motorists in 2005 involved motorcycles, according to the DNR.

Q: What's my best defense?

A: Slow down when you see deer. If you see one, more are probably nearby, and you never know whether one of those hidden ones will dart out in front of your car.

Q: What if I can't avoid hitting a deer?

A: Hit the brakes but don't swerve suddenly. You could make matters worse by losing control and colliding with another vehicle or a tree. There's an exception to this rule for motorcycles, according to the DOT: Brake firmly and swerve if necessary, but try to stay in your lane.

Q: What else can I do to avoid a crash?

A: Be on the lookout for deer and reduce speed in early morning and evenings. Pay attention to those deer-crossing signs. Always wear your seat belt.

Q: What if I see a deer on the side of the road?

A: Slow down and be aware that other deer are probably in the area. Blow your horn with one, long blast to frighten the deer away.

Q: Won't my headlights scare the deer away?

A: Not likely. Headlights can confuse the animal and could cause it to freeze in its tracks.

Q: What if I hit a deer?

A: Stay in your vehicle and don't approach the animal. An injured deer could suddenly struggle to escape, hurting you or itself. Remember that walking on a highway is dangerous. Get your car off the road if possible and call law enforcement, the DOT says.

The Rock County Sheriff's Department will respond to car-deer crashes if someone is injured or if the damage is more than $1,000. A deputy also will come to the scene to "humanely dispatch" a wounded deer or to tag the deer if the motorist wants to take it home, said Cmdr. Troy Knudson. But for all other car-deer crashes, motorists are asked to go to the sheriff's department and pick up a self-reporting form so they can get a report for their insurance company.