white-tailed deer in fall field in rutt
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to be vigilant for deer.
Car-versus-deer crashes start to go up this time of year as deer become more active and are more likely to cross roadways unexpectedly.
If you’re driving, stay vigilant, which means watching ditch lines and being extra careful in areas that are heavily wooded.
The sheriff’s office also says to slow down when approaching a crossing and to avoid swerving if deer enter the road, as it could cause a more serious crash.
If the unfortunate happens and you hit a deer, pull over to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights.
Call 911, especially if there is damage to property of more than $1,000 or if someone was injured in the accident.
Tell the dispatcher that you hit a deer and stay at the scene of the crash.
You can move your vehicle as well if it’s a safe area and still operational.
If you call a deputy, let them get the information before driving away, and make sure your vehicle doesn’t have any problems, such as leaking fluids, loose parts, tire damage, or a broken light.
Manitowoc County Sheriff’s deputies say that you can claim a deer you hit, but you have to register it with the Wisconsin DNR.
Manitowoc County is one of the top 10 counties in Wisconsin with deer crashes.
