Area law enforcement agencies have seen a recent increase in the amount of car-deer accidents they're handling and are advising motorists traveling in rural areas to be extra cautious.
According to Sgt. Michael Oliver of the Michigan State Police Alpena Post, personnel have handled as many as six to eight in a day in different areas. Many of the accidents have occurred in morning and evening hours.
As of Friday the Alpena Police Department had handled two accidents in the Island View Subdivision. The city does not handle these types of accidents often but when they happen, it's usually around Long Rapids Road, said Chief Kim Miller.
Alpena County Sheriff Steve Kieliszewski said as of Monday the sheriff department has handled 88 deer crashes this year with the most accidents taking place in October.
"In October we handled a total of 21 car-deer crashes," he said.
This time of the year is mating season for deer, which can account for the increased deer movement, said Brian Mastenbrook, Department of Natural Resources wildlife habitat biologist.
"Their range increases a lot. They go a lot further than they normally do. They're spending more time traveling and more time crossing roads," he said.
When a deer runs in front of a car, the driver should simply hit the breaks, and never swerve to avoid the deer. Swerving can cause the vehicle to go into oncoming traffic or to hit another object such as a tree.
"A minor accident can turn into a major accident if you swerve," Oliver said.
Drivers should reduce their speeds in high deer areas and travel familiar routes to destinations because they're more likely to know where deer often cross the road, Oliver said.
Kieliszewski said motorists should be aware of the deer crossing signs and of their surroundings. When one deer crosses the road, there's likely to be others.
Generally car-deer crashes are covered by the comprehensive portion of an individual's auto insurance policy and a driver would not be considered at fault. People should check with their auto insurance carrier for further details, said Nancy Cain, AAA Michigan spokesperson.
"Generally it should not affect your rates," she said.
Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.