THE MOST DANGEROUS MAMMAL IN NORTH AMERICA

You may not pay much attention to those deer crossing warning signs on the side of the roads, but statistics say you probably should. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause about 200 fatalities each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association estimates there are approximately 1.5 million auto deer collisions per year, resulting in damage losses of around $1.5 billion. Each year, there are more than 60,000 reported vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan alone.

Statistically, most car deer accidents occur in the months of October, November and December, which also coincides with the deer’s mating season. It has also been noted that more accidents occur during the night, or anytime between dusk and dawn.

Knowing this, you can take every possible precaution when driving. The following list reviews ways to keep yourself safe and minimize your chances of a car deer collision when driving.

Avoiding Deer Collisions While Driving

If you are driving in deer habitat/country, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. WMSMN provides the following tips to reduce your chances of hitting a deer:

• Be aware of posted deer crossing signs.
• Remember that in the Fall months deer are most active between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.
• Keep in mind that deer generally travel in small groups – if you see one, there is a good possibility others are nearby.
• Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles. (they are not proven to be effective)
• If a deer collision seems inevitable, trying to swerve out of the way could make you lose control of your vehicle, or move into the path of an oncoming vehicle, so try to stop straight ahead.

If an deer or any other critter gets too close for comfort, call the professionals at Wildlife Management Services for assistance by dialing 612.926.9988.