On an average day in Michigan there will be 146 collisions between deer and motor vehicles – and autumn is the most dangerous time of the year. Many crashes go unreported, which means the actual total is likely even higher.
According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center:
- The rate of accidents in 2010 was nearly 56,000 vehicle-deer crashes.
- In 2011, there were over 53,000 vehicle deer incidents.
- Eight people lost their lives, and nearly 1,500 injuries were sustained from these crashes.
- Incidents go up in October and November.
The Michigan auto accident lawyers at The Michigan Injury Lawyers know that the consequences of a car wreck – regardless of the cause – can be catastrophic. We want everyone to be safe behind the wheel.
Following are motorist safety tips from the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) to avoid dangerous encounters with deer:
Deer have a tendency to travel in single file. Inability to see more doesn’t mean that more aren’t present.
- Be on the lookout for signs that indicate common deer crossing areas.
- Be conscious of the possible hazard of deer crossing throughout the year.
- Reduce your speed when approaching an area of higher deer activity.
- If startled, deer often become unpredictable, darting in any direction.
- Stay alert and watch for deer, especially around sunrise and sunset
- If you do see a deer, slow down and be cautious. Others may be in the area.
- Don’t veer for deer. It’s better to apply the brakes, coming to a controlled stop rather than
The MDCC is a broad affiliation that includes law enforcement, traffic safety, natural resources, higher education, and regional planning groups. Its goal is to increase awareness of vehicle-deer crashes and reduce the number of deaths and injuries occurring each year on state roads.
Get a Free Consultation with a Michigan Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident of any type, you can obtain a free consultation and case evaluation from an experienced Pontiac personal injury lawyer. Call The Michigan Injury Lawyers at 866-474-8357 or use our online contact form. We also handle family law cases, business and employment matters, and criminal cases throughout Michigan, including but not limited to Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.