Oh Deer – Be Careful Driving During Deer Season

As today is the start of deer season, drivers beware.

I always dread this time of year, not because I don't believe in hunting - I grew up hunting with my dad. I dread it because I am terrified of hitting a deer with my car. Throughout deer season every morning when leaving my house, I debate on which way to go to work, and the same debate happens on the way home from work.

I especially hate driving on the expressway at night - not going to lie, I would most likely panic and do the wrong thing if a deer ran out in front of me. I did hit a deer when I was in high school. I was only going like 35 mph at the time, so there was minimal damage to my car. What I remember most is knocking on a door of a strangers house asking him to call the police (before cell phones). I don't know if the guys who's door I knocked on, didn't get many visitors or what, but he looked more afraid than I was.

The Insurance Alliance of Michigan recommends the following tips for drivers during deer season,

• Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active.
• Deer often travel single file, so if you see one cross a road it’s likely more are nearby waiting to cross. When startled by an approaching vehicle, deer can panic and dart out from any direction.
• Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, don’t swerve. Instead, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and steer your vehicle off the roadway.

I really need to remember that last tip. Here is to a safe deer season for you, and your vehicle.