As area deer hunters are readying for the gun season soon, you should be more vigilant on the roadways as deer crashes become more common as the breeding rut season peaks in November. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the number of deer-related insurance claims in November is more than twice the yearly average.  Door County Sheriff Pat McCarty says drivers should be more vigilant as visibility is more restrictive near dawn and dusk.

   
The leading cause of accidents, injuries, and deaths from deer-related accidents is when vehicles try swerving to avoid hitting a deer. The safer recommended option is to slow down as much as possible and let your car hit the deer, rather than swerving and possibly moving into oncoming traffic or hitting other objects that can cause a rollover. If you hit a deer, pull to a safe location off the road, ensure everyone is okay, and then contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911 for assistance.

(photo courtesy of Kewaunee County Sheriffs Department)