Oh, deer!

Fall is here! Time for pumpkin spice everything, colder weather, hunting season, and unfortunately deer accidents. October, November and December are the riskiest months for hitting deer,  a result of mating and hunting seasons. Did you know…

• Michigan is ranked No. 8 on the list of states where drivers are most likely to have a claim from a collision with a deer, elk, or moose.
• Drivers have a 1 in 60 chance of hitting a deer, elk, or moose.
• The Insurance Information Institute and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported 191 deaths resulting from collisions with animals, deer being the most common, in 2013.

Unfortunately, the odds are great for avoiding deer during the fall season in Michigan. So here are our xpert tips to help keep you safe and prepared for this fall!

• Use extra caution in known deer zones.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• At night, when there is no oncoming traffic, use high beams.
• Avoid swerving when you see a deer.
• Scan the road for deer and other danger signs.
• Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles.
• Deer are on all roads, are unpredictable and often move in groups.
• Deer movement is most prevalent in the fall.
• The highest risk comes between dusk and dawn.