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Here’s How to (Hopefully) Avoid Crashing Into a Deer

According to the Michigan State Police, there are nearly 50,000 reported car-deer crashes every year in Michigan, and about 80% of these crashes happen on two-lane roads between dusk and dawn.

The most serious of these crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit another car, a fixed object or the car rolls over.

The Office of Highway Safety Planning has put together a brochure called with information about deer-car crashes and how to avoid them.

Some of the tips the OHSP lists to avoid a crash include:

  • Staying aware, awake and sober
  • Being especially alert in the spring and fall even though these crashes happen year-round
  • Paying attention to signs that alert you to deer crossing areas
  • Paying attention to the deer crossing the road. Since they are herd animals if one crosses, another will probably cross behind that one
  • If you see a deer, slow down.
  • If a deer stops and stays on the road do not try to go around it
  • Don’t rely on gimmicks like flashing your high-beam headlights or honking your horn to deter deer

OHSP also says that if the crash is unavoidable, and you are in a car, you should do the following:

  • Don’t swerve. Instead, break firmly while holding onto the steering wheel and bringing your car to a controlled stop
  • Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers and be cautious of other traffic if you leave your car
  • Report the crash to the nearest police agency and your insurance company

If the crash is unavoidable and you are riding a motorcycle, the OHSP says to do the following:

  • Use both brakes progressively and come to a quick, complete stop
  • If you are unable to stop then swerve in the opposite direction the deer was heading and slow down or come to a complete stop
  • Remove your bike from the road if you are able and get to a safe place away from the road and oncoming traffic

OSHP also reminds people to make sure you are wearing your seat belts since they are your best defense in the event of a crash.

 

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