Oh Deer, Oh My!

"OUCH!!"

So one week ago, deer hunting season opened in my state of Wisconsin, and not only is it deer hunting season...it's mating season for those young "Bucks" and sometimes in their haste to find a mate, the results aren't so pretty.  About a week ago, our van was struck by a rather large buck as we were traveling about 60 mph on a Wisconsin county road. It was pitch black out and it happened so fast we hardly had time to react. He (about an 8 point buck) had almost cleared our van, to the other side of the road, but clipped our front quarter panel on the passenger side and knocked out one of the front head lights. Luckily, my husband and I were not injured and we could surmise that the deer was not killed (instantly anyway), he was not on the road and apparently had gone off into the woods. Now of course we count our blessings, it could have been much worse. Yet, it was enough to rattle anyone.

So with a little research, I found out Wisconsin ranks 4th as the state with the highest deer/car collisions. (Odd...seems to me like it should be #1, based on my recent experience) The top 5 states for deer/car collisions are as follows: 

1. West Virginia
2. Montana
3. Pennsylvania
4. Wisconsin
5. Iowa 

Of course these rankings vary from year to year, but these states usually make the top rankings.  A few years back, Wisconsin was ranked #7 and we have moved up to the #4 slot...Oh, Boy, lucky us.

According to State Farm Insurance,  while the number of miles driven by U.S. motorists over the past five years has increased just 2 percent, the number of deer-vehicle collisions in this country during that time has grown by ten times that amount.  Deer populations are growing and their habitats are being displaced by urban sprawl. Sometimes when their populations increase, the environment can't support the population and they subsequently starve or various diseases runs rampant. I am not a hunter, but I certainly can see how hunters can help to find a balance for this particular species. They are most definitely not endangered. Depending on where you live, this is a real problem with no easy solutions.  With respect to the collision problem, the most important thing is to be even more vigilant this time of year, especially at dusk and dawn. Yet, even being vigilant.....sometimes collisions can't be avoided.  Here are some important reminders and pointers that could maybe even save your life: (Published by GEICO insurance, Nathan Erb:)

When driving this fall, you should:

1. Watch for the rest of the gang. Deer are pack animals, and rarely travel alone. If a deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer darting across the road.
2. Timing is everything. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn: periods when your vision is most compromised. To add to their terrible timing, deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January) when you’re more likely to travel after the sun sets. Slow down and stay alert, especially after dark.
3. Wear your seat belt. It may not prevent a collision, but if the inevitable happens a seat belt can reduce injuries. This is especially true if you lose control and collide with something bigger, and more stationary than a deer.
4. Take a moment to reflect. First, look for the road signs. The yellow diamonds with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas for deer. You may also spot a deer because their eyes will brightly reflect a car’s headlights, making them easier to spot.
5. Stay Center. On a multi-lane road, the center lane is your safest bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road.
6. Stay the course. If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path.
7. Honk! Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. Do not rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer—studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents.

So in light of what happened with our collision, sometimes circumstances like these are a perfect place for a little humor to minimize the sting. I came across this meme that really gave me a chuckle, you can almost hear the deer talking to you...Is that a threat buddy?!

               So drive carefully out there folks. Be Safe.             JES