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Dane County Sheriff's Office

Fall Driving

October 01, 2007
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 FAX: (608) 284-6163
Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2007. Madison, WI – Just as the colors change in the fall, so do driving conditions. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind motorists to be alert for changing conditions and seasonal hazards. Farmers are in the process of harvesting their crops, resulting in an increase in large equipment traffic on rural roads. Drivers need to use extra caution when coming over hills and when approaching field access roads. Be patient and obey passing zones and other signage when traveling behind farm equipment. Another sign of autumn is an increase in deer movement. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in 2005, 12 people died in car-deer crashes. Motorcyclists need to be particularly vigilant, as all of the 12 traffic deaths in 2005 were motorcyclists. Most car-deer crashes occur in October and November during evening and early morning hours. In 2006, Dane County reported the most motor vehicle-deer crashes than any other county in Wisconsin with 958 crashes. Lastly, drivers need to adjust to increased hours of darkness and changing weather conditions this time of year. Staying alert and aware is the key to safe driving in the fall.
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