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Deer collision risk rises as Michigan enters peak season

File: Deer crossing road in Michigan
Photographer: Dwight Burdette
/
Wikimedia Commons
File: Deer crossing road in Michigan

Experts call this the most dangerous time of the year for deer collisions and Michigan drivers are being reminded to stay alert to avoid crashes

As deer activity increases during the fall breeding season, AAA reminds motorists that October through December is among the most dangerous months for deer-related crashes.

More than 58-thousand deer crashes were reported in Michigan last year, resulting in 13 fatalities and over 17 hundred injuries.

Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, says, “Michigan drivers are entering the most dangerous time of year for deer collisions,” she adds, “Drivers often have only seconds to react when a deer enters the roadway. Slowing down, scanning the roadside and staying focused behind the wheel can help reduce the risk of a serious crash.”

Woodland also notes that “One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is swerving to avoid a deer,” she says leaving the roadway can result in more severe crashes involving trees, guardrails, utility poles or other vehicles.”

Triple-A suggests drivers slow down, especially on rural roads, remain extra vigilant at dawn and dusk and use high beams whenever safe and legal

What to do if you hit a deer?Experts advise turning on hazard lights, moving to a safe location and do not approach the animal.

More information can be found at AAA.com

Jennifer is an award winning broadcast news journalist with more than two decades of professional television news experience including the nation's fifth largest news market. She's worked as both news reporter and news anchor for television and radio in markets from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo all the way to San Francisco, California.
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