The arrival of the fall season means it’s that time of year when collisions with deer are much more likely to occur. Here’s advice to help your drivers stay safe when Bambi decides to hit the road.

The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition advises motorists to:

• Watch for deer at dawn and dusk. Deer are most active then, especially during the fall mating season.

• If you see one deer, there may be more. Deer often travel single file so if you see one deer cross the road, most likely more are nearby waiting to cross. When startled by an oncoming vehicle, they can dart out from any direction without warning.

• Be alert all year long in areas inhabited by deer, especially on two-lane roads.

• Watch for deer warning signs placed near known deer crossing areas.

When a crash with a deer is unavoidable, the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition  recommends the following:

• Stay in your lane. Don’t swerve.

• Brake firmly.

• Hold onto the steering wheel using both hands.

• Come to a controlled stop.

• Steer your vehicle well off the roadway.

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