By Lynn Ketchum

 
We don’t talk statistics too often.  Why?  Because typically numbers bore us or put us to sleep!  But today, I’m going to make an exception and talk briefly about the statistics.  Motorcycles and deer to be precise.

When we ride our motorcycles, we need to be alert and paying attention to the deer population.  Daylight or dark…..they are out there.  Wisconsin has a high population of deer.  You see them in the fields, along the road side, on the road….they are everywhere.

In 2006, 16,362 of the 17,878 (91.5%) deer crashes occurred on rural roads.  While only 2.6% of passenger cars and 1.2% of utility trucks involved in deer crashes resulted in a fatality or injury to an occupant, 87.7% of motorcycle-deer crashes resulted in a fatality or injury to a motorcyclist.  5 of the 7 motor vehicles/deer crash fatalities in 2006 were motorcyclists.

In 2005, 16,169 of the 17,555 (92.1%) deer crashes occurred on rural roads.  While utility trucks involved in deer crashes resulted in a fatility or injury to an occupant, 81.1% of motorcycle-deer crashes resulted in a fatality to a motorcyclist.  All of the 12 motor vehicle/deer crash fatalities in 2005 were motorcyclists.

In 2003, 20,067 of the 21,666 (92.6%) deer crashes occurred on rural roads.  While only 3.0% of passenger cars and 1.0% of utility trucks involved in deer crashes resulted in a fatality or injury to an occupant, 84.9% of motorcycle-deer crashes resulted in a fatality to a motorcyclist.  8 of the 13 motor vehicle/deer crash fatalities in 2003 were motorcyclists.

I could keep giving you figures, but I’m sure you get the idea.  I don’t want to bore you.  Bottom line, be alert when you ride.  Be safe and make it home!