Car-Deer Crashes Advisory

With the fall here, the Insurance Alliance of Michigan is reminding all drivers of the dangers posed by deer. The alliance’s Mark Fisk tells WSJM News deer are more active this time of year, especially at dusk and dawn. You should remember what to do if you see a deer in the road. It starts with slow down.

“If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, don’t swerve,” Fisk said. “We recommend that you brake firmly, hold on to the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop if you can, and steer your vehicle off the roadway.”

Fisk also says if you see one deer, there are probably more nearby. The Insurance Alliance of Michigan this week released figures showing the Michigan counties with the most vehicle-deer crashes in 2017. Topping the list is Oakland County with more than 1,700. Second is Kent County with more than 1,500. Here in southwest Michigan, Allegan County has the most car-deer crashes with more than 1,000 last year.