November 12, 2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials are warning motorists to pay close attention for deer during the month of November, especially once the firearm hunting season begins later this week. Each year, because of the hunting activity and movement of the deer herd, crashes go up. Car-deer crashes in Michigan cause more than $130 million in damage each year, which is an average of $2,135 per vehicle involved. In 2007, there were approximately 61,907 reported car-deer crashes, compared to 60,875 in 2006.
"Motorists must remember that extra caution is needed this time of year," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Being alert, buckling up, and driving defensively are just some of the things that can help avoid a collision."
MDOT officials have again joined forces with the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) this year in order to promote the MDCC slogan: "Don't Veer for Deer!" MDCC - a broad coalition of groups representing transportation, law enforcement, traffic safety, insurance, natural resources, higher education and strategic regional planning in both the public and private sectors - seeks to increase awareness of the problem among the driving public and reduce the number of deaths and injuries occurring on Michigan roads each year.
According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, insurance claims for animal collisions are three times higher during November than the typical month earlier in the year. Additionally, crashes are much more likely to occur in darkness, at dusk, or at dawn.
More information, including tips on how to avoid collisions, is available online at MDCC's Web site at www.semcog.org/mdcc.aspx.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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