Don’t Veer for Deer

Don’t Veer for Deer – Buckle Up, Stay Alert, Slow Down

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people to please be careful when driving this fall, and year round, and remember “Don’t Veer for Deer!” Knowing how to react to deer on or next to the road is important to the safety of the driver and their passengers. The best course of action when faced with a deer in the road is to brake firmly while staying in your lane, even if it means you are going to hit the deer. The majority of deer crashes occur in the fall according to statistics, and on average vehicle-deer crashes result in 10 motorist fatalities each year. Statistics show that in most deer-vehicle crashes, deaths and injuries occur when drivers veer from their lane, hitting another vehicle or a fixed object such as a tree.

The following tips can help you avoid a serious problem with encountering a deer on the road:

• Stay aware, awake, alert, and sober.

• Wear your seat belt.

• Watch for deer crossing signs.

• Be especially alert in the fall and spring, keeping in mind deer crashes occur year-round.

• Deer travel in groups. If you see one deer, slow down, as there may be others close by.

• Be especially alert for deer at dawn and dusk. Over 90 percent of deer crashes occur during these times.

• Don’t swerve when faced with a deer in the road.

• Brake firmly.

• Stay in your lane.

• Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop if possible.

These are a few important rules that should help keep your drive safer. For more information on deer crashes and safety, please visit the Michigan Deer Crash Coalitions’ website at www.michigandeercrash.com