Lapeer Township last year was among 20 communities in Michigan that had the highest number of deer-related crashes. There are more deer-vehicles crashes south of Imlay City Road than anywhere else in Lapeer County.
LAPEER COUNTY — It’s late October, which means in addition to the leaves falling and Halloween preparations, it’s also time again for motorists to be extra alert for deer this time of year. The majority of deer-vehicle collisions in Lapeer County occur during the months of October and November when “the rut” is on, the time when bucks and does are hormonally triggered into increased activity as their focus turns to reproduction.
Bucks spar, test their stamina and dominance and chase after does. The increasing activity and lack of wariness raises the potential for deer-vehicle crashes, especially during darkness when they are less visible.
Each year, there are nearly 50,000 reported vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan. About 80% of these crashes occur on two-lane roads between dusk and dawn. The most serious crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or a fixed object, or when their vehicle rolls over.
Year after year Lapeer County is one of Michigan’s 83 counties in the Top 10 with the most deer-related crashes. In 2019, there were 53,464 crashes, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety (OHSA) Planning. According to the OHSA, deer-related crashes include any crash where a deer contributed to the incident. It doesn’t necessarily mean a deer and vehicle came in contact with each other. Such crashes injured 1,335 people and killed 14 people. November had the highest rate of crashes — 9,353.
Last year in Lapeer County there were1,275 deer-related crashes reported to law enforcement and insurance companies. Officials believe the true number of crashes is much higher, but even still the crash count data ranked Lapeer County as having the fourth-highest number of crashes — behind Oakland, Kent and Jackson counties. Following Lapeer County, the counties with the most crashes included Ottawa, Allegan, Genesee, Calhoun, Clinton and Isabella.
Last year, according to OHSA data, Lapeer Township had the 20th highest number of deer-related crashes in all of Michigan with 120 collisions. Crashes with deer accounted for 50% of all 239 vehicle accidents in the township.
Especially during this heightened time of year for encountering deer on the road, motorists should slow down and start scanning for deer ahead. Even if you see just one deer, remember that they tend to travel in groups and there could be more nearby, waiting to cross. Most deer are hit between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., followed by 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., according to State Police data. Deerrelated crashes can and do happen within Lapeer and Imlay City limits too, usually several every year so no matter where you’re driving it’s important to be ready for an encounter with a deer.
To help raise awareness and support safe driving during the heavy deer crossing season, law enforcement and medical first responders recommend the following tips:
• While driving, refrain from distractions such as your phone or drowsiness, and be on general alert for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Flashing your high-beam headlights or honking a horn to deter deer will not work when trying to lessen the crash impact.
• Signs are placed at known deer crossing areas to alert you of the possible presence of deer.
• Always wear a seat belt.
• Motorcyclists need to wear an approved helmet when riding.
• If you do see a deer, don’t swerve. If a crash is unavoidable, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
Chain reaction type crashes can occur when motorists suddenly swerve or brake to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle, a fixed object and lose control. Also, other drivers who are not paying attention or following too closely can be found responsible for rear-ending stopped or slowed vehicles that just collided with a deer. If a chain reaction type of crash occurs and others become injured, call 911 and report any injuries and immediate dangers.
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October 25, 2020 at 10:07AM
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Oh deer: October and November are when most deer-related crashes occur - Thecountypress
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