In Michigan's northwestern lower peninsula, deer accidents are one of the most common reasons for needing collision repair. Rural roads are plentiful in this region, and deer are active much of the year. To help you stay safe behind the wheel, use the following tips to avoid a collision with a deer and learn what to do if one occurs.

How to Avoid an Accident with a Deer

Deer activity increases early in the morning and again at dusk. This can be problematic since it lines up with morning and evening rush hours. These times of day also have poor ambient light, reducing driver visibility. Take extra care when driving through back roads at these times, and pay particular attention to roads with Deer Xing signs.

Use your car’s high beams to better view the road, but remember to click them off as other cars approach. Once you've spotted one deer, it’s likely that others are nearby. If you see a deer in the road, brake firmly but do not swerve to avoid the creature. It’s too difficult to anticipate which way the animal will move, and swerving can cause you to collide with a tree or another vehicle.

What to Do After a Deer Accident

First, make sure that your passengers are not injured. Move the vehicle out of traffic and preferably into a parking lot, but at least onto the shoulder.

Don't try to move or touch the deer. While they may look dead, the animal could simply be injured or stunned and scared. If you try to move it, it could jump up and potentially cause you harm.

Contact the police after a collision. An officer can document the accident so you can provide the insurance company with the necessary information to pay for collision repairs. If your car is drivable, make sure the lights are operational, check for loose parts hanging from the vehicle, and listen for unusual noises from the engine compartment.

If you've been in an accident with a deer, take your vehicle to Precision Collision & Auto Glass in Frankfort, MI, for collision repair. These technicians have served Benzie County drivers since 1997. They specialize in dent repair, windshield replacement, auto body paint, hail damage repair, and car detailing. Learn more about the company on their website, or call (231) 352-7948 to schedule a collision repair appointment.