It’s that time of year again. With hunting season in full swing and the rut finally starting, white-tail deer in northern Michigan are on the move more than at any other point in the year. Unfortunately, with all this movement, car accidents are more likely to occur. In 2016, 43 percent of all deer-vehicle collisions occurred in October, November, or December. With as many as 1.75 million deer across the state, odds are you’ll see one while driving this time of year. There a few things you can do, to keep yourself safe if you do have a run in with a deer.

What You Can Do

If you are about to hit a deer, there a few different things you can do to keep yourself and others safe. First and foremost, be on the lookout for deer while driving. If you’re passing through an area that could have deer, especially during dusk or dawn, check ditches and the sides of the roads for deer. You can often see the reflection from their eyes on the side of the roads if they are present.

Next, if you do hit a deer, slow down because odds are there are more nearby. Deer often travel in herds, so if there is one, there is likely more around. If you see one crossing the road, slow down because there’s a good chance there are more behind the first one.

Finally, if a collision is unavoidable DO NOT VEER. Keep your steering wheel straight and stay in your lane. If a crash happens, unfortunately, it happens. The way for motorists to stay safest in a deer-related accident is to simply hit the deer. By not veering, you’ll remain in your lane allowing you to avoid driving into a ditch, but more importantly, crossing the median and heading into opposing traffic.

It’s Okay to Hit a Deer

If you do hit a deer this fall season, its okay. It’s important to remain as calm as possible after the fact. Make sure to call the police, and file an insurance claim if applicable. With the right insurance, you’ll be covered and have no worries. If you’re not sure about your insurance coverage, contact the team at Johnson and Associates Insurance. Our team of insurance agents will work with you to make sure that you have the necessary coverage to ensure that you’re covered if you are in a deer-related car accident. When you call our office, you’ll be greeted by a real person, not a recording. So, call Johnson and Associates Insurance today, and see why we’re the best insurance company in Traverse City.