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Rock Co. Coroner gives safety tips for hunters, holiday travelers

JANESVILLE—With the hunting and holiday travel seasons underway, the Rock County Coroner’s Office is urging travelers and hunters to use caution and common sense in the coming weeks.

In a news release, the coroner’s office reported that this fall in Wisconsin five people have been killed in hunting-related incidents. The coroner’s office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers the following safe hunting tips:

• Hunt in pairs and avoid going ahead or falling behind anyone you’re hunting with
• Wear blaze orange clothing.
• Have an adequate supply of drinking water, and do not drink alcohol while actively hunting.
• Carry a compass, maps and a GPS device to avoid getting lost.
  
• Treat every firearm as though it’s loaded. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger outside the finger guard until you’re ready to shoot. Always know the target you’re shooting at and what lies behind it.

The coroner’s office reminds people that more traffic will be on roads than usual during the holidays, and it urges people driving or traveling in the coming weeks to follow these safe-driving tips:

• Avoid texting while driving.
• Wear a seat belt, or if you’re riding a motorcycle, a helmet.
• Carry identification in case of an emergency.
• Be aware of weather conditions and drive accordingly.
  
• Don’t drive after drinking or taking drugs.