Car-Deer Crash More Likely On Two-Lane Roads With 55 MPH Limit
1 October 1998
Michigan Deer Crash Coalition: Car-Deer Crash More Likely On Two-Lane Roads With 55 MPH Speed Limit LANSING, Mich., Oct. 1 -- Autumn is the season for football,
cider -- and deer crashes. Motorists should take extra precautions this fall,
especially while driving at night on two-lane roadways. According to the
Michigan Deer Crash Coalition, 80 percent of the state's deer crashes occur on
two-lane roads with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour.
"Drivers need to be aware of deer at all times; however, studies indicate
that car-deer crashes are most likely to occur during the months of October,
November and December, with the highest incidences on Friday and Saturday
nights," said Jerry Basch of AAA Michigan and chair of the coalition. "And,
the majority of these crashes take place on unlit roads."
To heighten motorists' awareness of deer "hot spots," for the first time,
county sheriffs throughout the state will issue Car-Deer Crash Advisories
beginning this fall. The advisories, similar to those distributed for weather
and other hazardous conditions, will note roads which have the highest number
of car-deer crashes. If an advisory is in effect for a certain road,
motorists are asked to try to avoid the area or use extra caution.
Although deer crashes declined in 1997 -- for the first time since 1990 --
they account for 15 percent of the total number of traffic crashes in the
state and remain a serious problem. In 1997, there were 65,451 vehicle
crashes involving deer.
Deer crashes are also costly. Last year, more than $100 million was paid
out in collision repair claims as a result of deer crashes. The average
insurance claim is about $1,700.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan has
white-tailed deer in every county in the state. Deer numbers have been
reduced in most counties, but are still at levels that warrant special
awareness during October, November and December.
Motorists can follow these suggestions to reduce their chances of car-deer
crashes:
* Look for deer, especially in the evening -- and slow down if you see
them;
* Watch for deer-crossing signs, a reminder to drive cautiously;
* Drive at lower speeds through a posted deer area any time of the day or
night;
* Use good sense -- wear safety belts; stay awake, alert and sober;
* If you can't stop, don't swerve out of your lane. It's generally safer
to hit the deer than run off the road or risk injuring another
motorist; and
* If you hit a deer, report the crash to local law enforcement.
The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition consists of: AAA Michigan 313-336-1500 *
Allstate Insurance 248-351-7118 * Federal Highway Administration 517-377-1882
* Kent County Road Commission 616-242-6900 * Insurance Information Association
of Michigan 517-482-1643 * 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 517-373-2160 * Michigan Farm Bureau
517-323-6560 * Michigan Sheriffs' Association 517-485-3155 * Office of Highway
Safety Planning 517-333-5317 * Traffic Safety Association of Michigan
517-487-8811 * State Farm Insurance 517-789-5803.
