Deer pose a great danger to Michigan drivers. In 2013 alone, there were over 49,000 car accidents with deer in the state. Because many deer-related crashes are not reported, the number of these accidents is actually estimated to be much higher. In 2013, over a thousand of these accidents resulted in injury to the driver or passengers in the car and 12 resulted in death.
The majority of these injuries are a result of the driver veering to avoid the deer. That is why the Michigan Deer Crash Collation (MDCC) is stressing the phrase “Don’t Veer for Deer” to Michigan drivers. If you have you been in a car accident where a driver veered into you to avoid a deer, contact the Clark Law Office today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damage to your car.
Deer Facts
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The fall is mating season for deer so they are more active during this time.
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Deer are especially active during dawn and dusk.
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Deer are pack animals and therefore do not usually travel alone. If you see one deer then be especially on the lookout for more deer.
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Deer travel in single-file lines; if one deer crosses the road then more are likely to follow.
Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents with Deer
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Do not swerve if you see a deer in your path. Stay in your lane, brake firmly, and try to maintain control of your vehicle. Most accidents involving deer are a result of a driver swerving into another lane in an effort to avoid the deer. Although this may seem like the appropriate natural reaction, many motorists are not injured from the collision with the deer itself but from hitting, or being hit, by a car that swerved into another lane to avoid a deer.
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If you see a deer, slow down. This will give you more time to break if the deer comes onto the road and give you a better chance of maintaining control of your vehicle.
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Always buckle up. Wearing your seatbelt will greatly reduce your chance of injury if you hit a deer or if you are hit by a car avoiding a deer.
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Watch for deer warning signs posted on Michigan roadways. Be especially on alert for deer when you see a deer warning sign because these areas have high deer population and traffic.
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Use your high beams to increase visibility and also watch for the shine of a deer’s eye to alert you of a deer’s presence.
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Flash your lights or honk your horn if you see a deer. Deer become frozen when they see a steady light. Flash your lights or honk your horn if you see a deer that is frozen in the roadway to get them to move out of the way.
Contact a Michigan Car Accident Attorney Today
Were you injured in a car accident in the state of Michigan? If so, contact the Clark Law Office today. Having a dedicated and skilled Michigan car accident attorney on your side can make all the difference.
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