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Police Remind Motorists To Watch For Deer

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - As the fall temperatures get cooler, more and more deer sightings are reported along Southeast Michigan roads. It's a problem in rural areas, but more deer are being seen in urban areas, as well.

"We're getting close to hunting season. The deer are more active, so you have to really be cautious when you see deer on the side of the road," said Sergeant David Stokes with the Michigan State Police.

Sergeant Stokes said it can be fun to see a deer close-up, but beware.

"A lot of times, the deer, when we see them on the side of the road, they're pretty to look at and a lot of people don't see deer very often so they tend to want to gaze at the deer," said Stokes.

"But deer can be very unpredictable when they're right next to the side of the road there. Sometimes they'll dart out, sometimes they'll dart back into the woods," he said.

Sgt. Stokes said deer will often stop right in the middle of the road, which is the cause of many accidents.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, statistics show that most motorist deaths and injuries occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting a deer and instead hit a tree or another vehicle.

If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, MDOT and the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition recommend drivers:

• DON'T SWERVE!
• Brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel with both hands.
• Come to a controlled stop.
• Move the vehicle out of traffic to a  safe location.

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