Friday, May 18, 2007

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:  Angela Speed

 (414) 431-6104  aspeed@wihumane.org

SAFETY ADVISORY                                                                 

Watch Out for Deer!

MILWAUKEE – It’s nearly June and deer are very active this time of year. Just this morning, three deer carcasses were spotted on Highway 41/45 between Holy Hill Road and County Line Road, just north of Milwaukee County.

According to the DNR, approximately 45,000 deer are salvaged off the roadways in Wisconsin after vehicle collisions; this puts the state in the top 10 for deer collisions in the nation.  Many people are injured, or even killed in such accidents. The Ozaukee Humane Society would like to remind people to follow these tips to avoid injuring deer and staying safe on the roadway:

• Stay alert – watch for deer near roadways.
• Slow down whenever you see deer near roadways – they are very unpredictable. 
• Slow down in deer crossing zones – the signs are posted there for good reason.
• Don’t “overdrive” your headlights at night – if a deer jumps out into the roadway, will you be able to stop in time?   Slow down to make sure you can brake for deer.
• Use your high beams when driving at night when there is no opposing traffic.
• Maintain your vehicle’s brakes and tires in good condition.
• Avoid swerving out of your lane to miss a deer – this could cause your car to strike an oncoming car or to leave the roadway, possibly causing a roll-over.
• Watch for more than one deer – deer often travel in groups.

# # #