There were 5,487 reported vehicle-deer crashes in Southeast Michigan in 2016, accounting for 4% of all crashes that occurred. The most serious crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid deer and hit another vehicle or fixed object.
Follow these safe driving tips when encountering deer:
- Always wear a seatbelt. Most people who are injured in vehicle-deer crashes are not wearing seatbelts.
- Be alert for deer, especially between dawn (5-8 a.m.) and dusk (6-10 p.m.). Vehicle-deer crashes occur all year-round, but are more prevalent in spring and fall.
- Pay attention to deer crossing and speed limit signs. Be especially alert in areas where roads divide forestland and agricultural fields.
- Be cautious if you see one deer, there may be others nearby. Deer seldom run alone.
- Don’t swerve out of your lane to avoid deer. Instead, brake while securely gripping the steering wheel to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
- If your vehicle hits a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can not only cause harm to you, but also to itself.
- Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, deer fences, or reflectors to deter deer. These devices are not proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
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