When the leaves are changing, deer are more active. Here are five fast facts that you NEED to know as a motorcyclist on the road. Because deer collisions are so prevalent in Wisconsin, we are using Wisconsin Statistics and resources. Keep in mind that these tips can be used by anyone, anywhere!
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), October and November record the highest number of vehicle collisions with deer.
Over 90 percent of collisions with deer happen at dusk & dawn, between 5-8 a.m. and 5-11 p.m., according to the Skilled Motorcyclist Association (SMA).
Typically, the best course of action if a collision with a deer is imminent, is to brake hard in a straight line and release before impact. This will slow your speed as much as possiblewhilestill maintaining useful momentum at the point of impact.
Swerving usually doesn’t work. This is because deer react in a zigzag pattern, making them almost impossible to predict.
Deer can look right through you. Much like drivers, just because a deer looks at you does not mean it has seen you. Deer react more to proximity than noise, which is why they tend to jump out “at the last second.”
