AAA Reminds Motorists: Don't Veer for Deer

Extra Note of Caution as Firearm Deer Hunting Season Approaches

31 October 2019

 

DEARBORN, Mich., (October 31, 2019) — With many people preparing to head out for the start of the Firearm Deer Hunting Season, it is important to remember that almost 50 percent of vehicle-deer crashes occur in Michigan during the months of October, November and December. In 2017, 43 percent of all vehicle-deer crashes occurred in the fall.

Last year, 14 people were killed in deer crashes. Over 64% of the fatalities (9) were on motorcycles. Another 1,335 people were injured in vehicle-deer crashes. In Michigan, vehicle-deer crashes are expensive, causing at least $130 million in damage annually. The state has a 1.8 million-strong deer herd.  Deer frequently travel in groups. If you see one deer cross the road, chances are there are more nearby.

In 2018, there were 53,464 vehicle deer crashes, up from 50,949 during 2017.  Oakland County had the most crashes with 1,851.  The remaining top nine were Kent (1,837), Jackson (1,537), Lapeer (1,275), Ottawa (1,267), Genesee (1,136), Allegan (1,160), Calhoun (1,104), Clinton (1,103) and Isabella (1,094). 

AAA offers these Five Fall Safety Tips:

Motorists

  1. Stay awake, alert and sober.
  2. Always wear a seat belt.
  3. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
  4. If you see one deer, slow down. Chances are there are others nearby.
  5. If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, stay in your lane and bring your car to a controlled stop.

Motorcyclists

  1. Stay awake, alert and sober.
  2. Slow down and be alert for deer whenever you ride.
  3. Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time.
  4. Use high beam headlights and additional riding lights when possible.
  5. Wear protective gear at all times.

 

AAA in Michigan celebrated its 100th Anniversary - A Century of Service in 2016 and has over 1.4 million members across the state. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG).  Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America.  ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.9 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.  ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.