The
leaves are changing, the nights are getting cold, and the days are
growing shorter. Autumn is in full swing, and in a few weeks, the
deer will be in rut. As every Michigan resident knows, rut —
or the mating season for whitetail deer — means we will see
increased activity on the road.
Bucks
busy themselves chasing does, marking their territory, and fighting
off other males while females decide who they're interested in. Rut
coincides with hunting season, and as hunting pressure and the mating
game intensifies, deer-vehicle collisions increase. Michigan sees
almost 50,000 deer-vehicle collisions every year from a whitetail
deer herd that numbers 1.8
million
.
Unfortunately,
the state also sees an average of 12 fatalities from these
collisions, many with motorcyclists. While a collision isn't 100
percent preventable, there are things motorists can do to avoid
becoming a statistic. Here are six tips for driving in deer country,
which in Michigan includes urban, suburban, and rural areas.
1.
Be Alert
Keep
your eyes focused on the road ahead. Look for flickers of white from
a deer's tail on the side of the road. If you see a deer, slow down.
Be aware that deer, especially does, rarely travel alone, so if you
see one, there is likely another one close behind.
2.
Pay Attention to Deer Crossing Signs
Highway
workers place deer crossing signs in the exact area where deer are
either known to cross from previous accidents or in areas where a
clear deer trail exists. When you see a deer crossing sign, know that
deer as well as other mammals, such as black bears, may be in the
area.
3.
Adjust Your Driving Habits
Deer-vehicle
collisions can happen any time of year, but spring and autumn are the
most common, with more occurring in fall than any other time of year.
The fall colors may be pretty to look at, but don't drive down
country roads, especially during hunting season, unless you
absolutely need to.
4.
Use Your Brights
Whitetail
deer are crepuscular. This means they are most active during dusk and
dawn. This doesn't mean you will never see a deer during the day —
during rut and hunting season, they may run all day long.
However,
most people's vision is not at its best during these twilight hours,
so put on your high-beam headlights as long as there isn't oncoming
traffic. This will help you better see the road ahead and any
movement.
5.
Take Proactive Measures to Protect Yourself
Michigan
law requires drivers to wear their seat belts, and about 94
percent
of
the population does. Don't be one of the 6 percent who doesn't. Seat
belts save lives. And while Michigan law doesn't require
motorcyclists to wear a helmet, helmets reduce the risk of death
by 37
percent
and
the risk of head injury by 69 percent. Most deer-vehicle collision
fatalities in the state each year are with motorcycles.
6.
Do Not Swerve
Never
swerve out of the way in order to avoid hitting a whitetail deer or
any other animal. Swerving puts you at an increased risk of losing
control of your vehicle, hitting another vehicle head-on, hitting an
object, such as a tree, or running off the road. Instead, slow down
and brake as quickly but as safely as you can. If a collision is
unavoidable, it is better to hit the animal than it is to hit another
vehicle or tree, so stay in your lane.
The
average deer-vehicle collision in Michigan results in $4,300 of
damage to the vehicle. If you have collided with a deer, contact
us
today.
We will assist you with filing your insurance claim, take care of
your auto body repair needs, and get you back on the road again. We
also loan vehicles to our valued customers for free.
