Watch Out Dear - November 14 is Most Dangerous Day for Car-Deer Crashes, Reports Michigan Deer Crash Coalition

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2004 -- November 14 -- the day before the start of firearm deer hunting season in Michigan -- is the single most dangerous day for car-deer crashes, according to statistics provided by the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning, Criminal Justice Information Center.

On November 14, 2003, just over 600 car-deer crashes were reported -- the highest number for any day of the year. The greatest number of car-deer crashes occur in the fall, especially during the month of November, reports Richard Miller, Chairman of the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) and AAA Michigan spokesman. Last year, 12,509 car-deer crashes were reported during November in Michigan.

The number of car-deer crashes are greatest in November due to a couple factors, Miller reports. November is the peak mating season for Whitetail deer, a time when they are most active and least attentive to what's going on around them. Early November is also a period when large numbers of hunters are driving to the woods to scout deer and set up hunting blinds or tree stands. And, over the course of the two-week firearms season through the end of November, hundreds of thousands of hunters are driving to and from their favorite hunting spots. This combination is a ready recipe for car-deer crashes.

Car-deer crashes cause at least $130 million in damage each year, or an average of $2,000 per vehicle. More importantly, 11 motorists lost their lives last year due to car-deer crashes. The MDCC says motorists can help avoid dangerous encounters with deer by heeding the following tips:

  *  Stay aware, awake, alert and sober.
  *  Remember, safety belts are your best defense in any collision.
  *  Heed deer crossing and speed limit signs.
  *  Be alert for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.
  *  Don't rely on gimmicks, flashing high-beam headlights or honking to
  deter deer.
  *  Deer are herd animals and frequently travel in single file.  If you see
  one whitetail cross the road, chances are there are more waiting.  If you
  see one, slow down.
  *  Be especially alert in the fall, but keep in mind that car-deer crashes
  occur year-round.

  If a collision with a deer is clearly unavoidable:

  *  Don't swerve!
  *  Brake firmly.
  *  Hold onto the steering wheel.
  *  Stay in your lane.
  *  Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.

Remember, while no one wants to intentionally strike a deer, it is often the safest course of action. Most people are killed or injured when they swerve to avoid a deer and collide with another vehicle or go off the roadway and strike a fixed object, like a tree.

The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC)

AAA Michigan (313) 336-1500 * Federal Highway Administration (517) 377-1882 * Insurance Institute of Michigan (517) 371-2880 * Kent County Road Commission (616) 242-6900 * Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (517) 349-9420 * Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (517) 323-9473 * Michigan Department of Natural Resources (517) 373-1214 * Michigan Department of State (517) 373-2520 * Michigan Department of State Police (517) 336-6579 * Michigan Department of Transportation (517) 373-7522 * Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-6560 * Michigan Sheriffs' Association (517) 485-3135 * Michigan State University (517) 353-9456 * Michigan United Conservation Clubs (517) 346-6484 * Office of Highway Safety Planning (517) 333-5317 * Traffic Safety Association of Michigan (517) 487-8811 * State Farm Insurance (616) 789-519 * Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (313) 961-4266 * University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (734) 764-2485 * United Parcel Service (734) 523-1856