Driver, Cyclist Killed In Deer Collisions

Two people died Tuesday in separate traffic collisions with deer in Livingston County.

Jerry Waldrop, 54, of Brighton died after an oncoming car hit a deer that crashed through his windshield. The other driver wasn't injured in the crash in Green Oak Township.

DEER DANGERS 2002 Car-Deer Crashes By County

About two hours later, a motorcycle driven by Michael Hicks, 45, struck a deer in Brighton Township.

Hicks and his wife, Kathleen, were taken to a hospital in Howell, where Hicks died. Kathleen Hicks was treated and released.

A nationwide study released Tuesday estimated that 150 Americans die each year in traffic accidents involving collisions with deer.

In Michigan, roughly $130 million is spent yearly repairing damages caused by deer-car crashes, Local 4 reported.

In 2002, more than 5,000 Michigan drivers were hurt and five died in crashes involving deer.

One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is swerving into oncoming traffic or into a tree when they encounter deer, according to safety experts.

"Grip the wheel firmly, get on the brakes firmly, but don't lock them up, and prepare for the impact," said Gary Bubar, of AAA traffic safety. "And, we hope you have your seat belt on."

The deer population has tripled and as more residents move into areas where there are deer habitats, the danger grows.

"I try to scan the roadway a little more carefully, and deliberately look for deer, and I definitely watch speed limits," said Davidson.

Safety experts say the best course of action is to drive defensively and follow these tips:

Fasten your safety belts. They are the best protection for yourself and your family in the event of a crash.

Drive with caution all-year-round in deer habitat, especially on rural two-lane roads.

Deer can dart out from any direction without warning. Deer often travel in single file. If you see one whitetail cross the road, chances are there are more nearby.

Deer are most active near dawn and dusk, and especially during the fall mating season and in spring, when they are on the move to find food, often near roads, where the grass greens up first.

Be especially alert near deer warning signs. They are placed at known deer crossing areas and alert drivers of the possible presence of whitetails.

If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition recommends these steps:

Don't swerve.

Brake firmly.

Hold on to the steering wheel.

Come to a controlled stop.

Pull well off the road, turn on emergency flashers and be cautious of passing traffic.

Do not attempt to remove a deer from the roadway unless you are convinced it is dead. An injured deer's sharp hooves can easily hurt you.