Each year in Michigan, thousands of car-deer crashes cause millions of dollars worth of damage, hundreds of serious injuries and even take the lives of drivers or their passengers. The state's 1.8 million-strong deer herd is most active in autumn, and it is autumn when the largest percentage of crashes occur. Still, this is a year- 'round problem that deserves the attention of the motoring public.

Deer-vehicle crashes -usually serious- cost Michigan residents more than $100 million annually. The average deer-vehicle crash causes about $1700 damage, often to the front end, leaving the vehicle un-drivable, or shattering the entire windshield. In 2001there were more than 65,000 car-deer crashes in Michigan.

What is worse, motorists die and thousands are injured. A driver who sees a deer on the highway ahead sometimes only has a brief moment to react. And no matter what you do, the deer may not cooperate. Striking the deer is frequently the safest action to take. Motorists making evasive maneuvers may be involved in a more serious crash.

DEER CRASH FACTS

• About 80 percent of all car-deer crashes occur on 55 mph two-lane roads between 6 PM and midnight.

• Attempting to dodge a deer at any speed is risky. Many serious accidents occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit a stationary object, another vehicle, or roll over.

• Deer are unpredictable when faced with headlights, blowing horns and fast moving vehicles. They dart into traffic and often move in groups running zigzag courses across roadways.

• In Michigan, about 15% of all reported crashes involve deer. One-third of all crashes on rural two-lane roads are deer vehicle crashes.

• Deer-vehicle crashes in Michigan caused three fatalities and more than 2,200 injuries in 1997.

• Though deer-vehicle crashes occur all year in Michigan, they are especially prevalent during the fall rutting (mating) season and during the spring.

• More than half of the states deer-vehicle crashes occur in Southern Michigan, many near cities and on main highways where traffic is heaviest.

• Michigan motorists experience an average of 179 deer-vehicle crashes a day.

• Due to increased motorist activity, deer-vehicle crashes are most likely to occur on Friday or Saturday night between the hours of 6 PM and midnight

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Stay aware, alert, awake, and sober.

• Wear your seatbelts.

• Heed deer crossing and speed limit signs. Deer crossing signs are an excellent reminder for driving cautiously in areas where the deer population is heaviest.

• Drive at moderate speeds through posted deer areas at all times of the day and night.

• Deliberately look for deer and if you see them, slow down.

• Don't rely on deer whistles or high-beam headlights to deter deer. Drive cautiously at all times.

• When possible, adjust travel times during peak evening crash periods, especially in October, November and December.

IF YOU HIT A DEER

• Report the crash to local police authorities.

• Police authorities or officers of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources may issue you a permit to keep the deer.

• Report the crash to your insurance company.