Oakland County Top for Deer/Vehicle Crashes: 'Don't Veer for Deer,' AAA Michigan Warns

It’s mating season for whitetail deer, and AAA Michigan is telling motorists “don’t veer for deer” as they travel the state’s roads.

November is one of the worst months for deer/vehicle accidents, which claimed the lives of 12 motorists in 2013 and injured another 1,200 this time last year, according to a news release.

Overall, there were 49,205 deer-related crashes in 2013, compared with 48,918 the year prior.

AAA Michigan also said that one in five vehicle crashes in the state involves deer.

Oakland County led the state in deer/vehicle crashes with 1,801. Macomb County had 516 such crashes, and Wayne County had 410.

The top counties and the number of deer/vehicle crashes are:

1. Oakland, 1,801
2. Jackson: 1,480
3. Kent: 1,447
4. Lapper: 1,229
5. Eaton: 1,076
6. Montcalm: 1,073
7. Sanilac: 1,071
8. Calhoun: 1,059
9. Washtenaw: 1,058
10. Clinton: 1,056

Many crashes go unreported, the Michigan Deer Coalition says, meaning the actual number may be much higher.

Michigan has a deer population of about 1.75 million. Deer often travel in groups, meaning that when motorists encounter one deer, they may see more.

The Michigan Deer Coalition offers the following tips to avoid deer/vehicle crashes and to reduce the likelihood of injury if you encounter one:

• Stay awake, alert and sober.
• Always wear a safety belt.
• Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
• If you see one deer, slow down. Chances are there are others nearby.
• If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, stay in your lane and bring your car to a controlled stop.

Watch the video from the Michigan Deer Coalition for more information.

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Photo: Dennis Hamilton via Creative Commons