The Collegian

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy of Shawn McKinstry

A car accident last week left one Michigan deer dead and six Hillsdale College students injured. Senior Shawn McKinstry was traveling about 70 mph on U.S. 23 near Ann Arbor when a deer jumped the median and ran in front of their Ford Escape.

After swerving and hitting the back of the deer, McKinstry struggled to regain control of the vehicle.

"I kept it as straight as I could," he said. "And then, well, I don't know what happened after that."

None of the group clearly remembers their car flipping 1 1/2 times before skidding a good distance on the roof.

"I just remember it feeling like a roller coaster, and feeling like I was going to black out," said senior Joel Vanderworp, the owner of the car.

The car was totaled, but the passengers escaped without significant injuries.

Senior Derek Gilmore and freshman Paige Lillo received head stitches after the accident, while McKinstry sustained a broken nose. Vanderworp, sophomore Kaylyn Blaauw and senior Britton Deuel had minor bumps and bruises.

Last year there were 61,010 deer crashes in Michigan, and this year the state has the second highest number in the country so far, behind West Virginia, according to a recent study by State Farm Insurance.

Almost half those accidents occur October through December, because the animals tend to move more during mating and hunting season, according to Capt. Carl Albright of the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Department.

The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition distributes pamphlets, available at the Sheriff's Department, which promote a "Don't Veer For Deer!" safety campaign.

When a deer crosses your path, the worst thing you can do is swerve, Albright said.

"If you go off the road at high speeds, or even low speeds, you lose control," he said. "That's how 99 percent of our accident happen."

Drivers need to be especially aware during dawn and dusk, according to MDCC's pamphlet, and realize that deer usually travel in groups. If you see one deer cross the road, expect others behind it.

Although some people rely on them, Albright said deer whistles get clogged with bugs easily and become useless.

If you cannot avoid hitting the deer, brake firmly while staying in your lane.

The idea that it's bad to brake too hard is ridiculous, said Albright. If your brakes are working properly, the front of the car won't dip significantly.

Once there has been an accident, don't worry about the impact on your insurance.

"It's not something that occurs because of poor driving," said Albright, "so your insurance rates shouldn't go up."

One more thing: If you want the dead deer, it's yours. Otherwise, the sheriff's department calls down a list of people who want these deer, it belongs to the first person that answers.

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