Authorities reminding drivers to buckle up this hunting season

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- As hunting season continues, the Berrien County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists of the increased presence of deer on the roadways this fall and asking that everyone buckle up, just in case.

"Seatbelts are the best defense in the event of a crash," Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit said.

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Planning, there are 2 million deer in Michigan, and they are most active this time of year when hunters are roaming the woods.

"In 2021, there were 50,000 vehicle-deer crashes, with 80 percent occurring on two-lane roads," Heit said. "Most of these crashes occur during dust and dawn when deer are on the move."

Tips to avoid crashes:

• Stay Alert, awake, aware, sober, and travel at safe speeds
• Watch for deer crossing signs
• Deer typically follow one another so if you see one, there may be more nearby
• If a crash is unavoidable, DO NOT VEER!!! Brake firmly and try to stay in your lane
• If you hit a deer, turn on your emergency flashers and try to move your vehicle out of the road
• If you cannot, carefully exit your vehicle and stand at the side of the road away from traffic
• Call the police and provide your location and any information if anyone is injured

"Remember to slow down and move over for first responders, tow vehicles and road/highway workers," Heit said. "Together, we can help make Michigan roads safer."