JACKSON, Mich. – Michigan's landscape is quilted with farmland and wooded areas that serve the state's large deer population. Unfortunately, that large deer population led Michigan to experience 45,690 vehicle-deer crashes in 2014, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts of the Michigan Office of Highway Planning.
Michigan is ranked 10th in the nation for vehicle-deer collisions, and drivers have a 1-in-97 chance of hitting a deer, according to State Farm. To reduce your chance of a collision as deer season peaks between October and December, keep in mind these 5 safe driving tips during Michigan deer season:
Michigan is ranked 10th in the nation for vehicle-deer collisions, and drivers have a 1-in-97 chance of hitting a deer, according to State Farm. To reduce your chance of a collision as deer season peaks between October and December, keep in mind these 5 safe driving tips during Michigan deer season:
- Pay careful attention to deer activity at night. Of Michigan’s total vehicle-deer accidents in 2014, 26,312 occurred during dark hours. This is due to deer being nocturnal animals. Use your high beams when driving on unlit roads in order to spot deer further ahead of time
- Watch for warning signs that deer could be nearby. This includes deer crossing signs as well as natural indications. For instance, if you’re driving on a road bordered by woods on either side you should keep an eye out. Additionally, if you see one deer on the side of the road you should assume there are more deer seeing as they usually travel in herds.
- Don't swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Swerving could take you into oncoming traffic or a tree, putting you and other drivers in more danger. The safest solution is to firmly apply the brakes, keep both hands on the wheel, and continue forward towards the deer.
- Don’t increase or maintain your speed to hit a deer, despite the popular belief that it mitigates the danger of the collision. Hitting a deer at a high speed will cause more damage because the force of impact will be greater. Hitting a deer at a slower speed will cause less damage and put you in less danger.
- Pull over and call the local authorities if you hit a deer. Stay in your vehicle while you wait for them to arrive, and don’t approach the deer or attempt to move it out of the road. The animal could just be in shock and you could startle it, putting yourself and other drivers in further danger.
Seymour Ford Lincoln is located at 2601 Seymour Road in Jackson, Michigan 49201. We will work hard to ensure you never leave our dealership unsatisfied! Visit us at at SeymourFord.com and SeymourLincoln.net or give us a call at (517) 787-9500.
Hey I am so glad to have these safe-driving tips. Gratitude for sharing here!! I am also learning professional driving at some popular Port Macquarie Driving School and they also provide such tips for safe driving. I think every driver (newbie and experienced) should follow these guidelines.
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