Don't veer for deer

MID MICHIGAN (WJRT) (WJRT) -- (10/08/06)--When it comes to deer, October is one of the most dangerous months in Michigan.

The deer are normally moving out of the woods with the increase of activity within the woods with hunters, and danger for deer usually translates into dangerous roads for motorists.

Car-deer accidents increase dramatically this time of year.  There were nearly 59,000 car-deer accidents in Michigan last year.

When you break it down to dollars and sense, your talking $130 million in damages or worse.

(sot) It could be a fatal accident... It does occur.

And if you drive on the roadways, you aren't immune to a car-deer accident.  Which is why the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition is getting involved.

Their message - "don't veer for deer."

Most deaths and injuries happen when people swerve to avoid hitting the animals, and end up hitting fixed objects, like trees, instead.

Some other tips - be especially alert at dawn and dusk, and remember that deer tend to travel in groups.

"Just know that if you see one deer, there are other deer behind them or in front of them that may pop out," said Michigan State trooper Rick Kane.

So, drive defensively and always wear your seatbelt.

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