Deer crashes surge in Minnesota and western Wisconsin this year

In Minnesota and western Wisconsin, the number of deer-related vehicle accidents is on the rise as the nights grow longer, indicating that this is a significant seasonal trend. Reports suggest that there have been numerous incidents, including fatalities, highlighting the danger these animals pose to drivers during certain times of day. Just last week, a tragic incident occurred where a 69-year-old man from Hastings was struck and killed by another vehicle while attempting to remove a deer he had hit from the road. Such accidents are not only dangerous for the people involved but also result in extensive vehicle damage, which can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $15,000. The current landscape of deer crashes has led to auto repair shops like Fix Auto Collision in Maple Grove being increasingly busy as they see numerous vehicles arriving with damage from collisions with deer. According to Taggert Feehan, a technician at Fix Auto, the damage caused by even a single deer can be severe. With the recent transition to darker driving conditions due to daylight saving time, the risks of encountering deer on the road have escalated. Both morning and evening commutes are now undertaken in darkness, which raises the likelihood of deer being struck. The Minnesota State Patrol advises drivers that deer are most active during the twilight hours, particularly between 6 to 9 p.m., making this a key time for awareness. They strongly suggest that drivers should not swerve to avoid a deer, as this can lead to more serious accidents, including colliding with oncoming traffic. To mitigate risks, drivers are recommended to keep their vehicles well-maintained, ensuring clean headlights and adequate tire tread, and to remain vigilant while driving, especially in areas near woods or open fields where deer may emerge unexpectedly.