Watch out for deer!

There were 49,205 deer vehicle crashes in Michigan in 2013, up from 48,918 during 2012. And vehicle-deer crashes are costly. The average crash results in $2,100 in damages, usually to the front end of the vehicle. Total annual costs for vehicle-deer crashes statewide are estimated at $130 million.

Your best defense is to:

• Stay aware, awake, alert and sober.
• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are your best defense in any collision.
• Be especially alert in fall and spring, but keep in mind that vehicle-deer crashes can occur at any time of the year.
• Watch for deer crossing signs.
• Slow down if you see one deer. Deer frequently travel in groups. Chances are there are others nearby.

• Be especially alert for deer at dawn and dusk.

• Do not rely on gimmicks. Flashing your high-beam headlights or honking your horn will not deter deer.

If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) recommends the following:

• Don't swerve.
• Brake firmly.
• Hold onto the steering wheel with both hands.
• Come to a controlled stop.
• Steer your vehicle well off the roadway.

If you do hit a deer, report it to local law enforcement, the county sheriff’s office, the State Police or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

See a video produced by the MDCC that is aimed at reducing deer crashes involving young drivers.

National Teen Driver Safety Week takes place October 19-25

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, in recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs October 19-25, encouraged parents and guardians to take an active role in coaching their teen driver as they practice behind-the-wheel skills together.

“Parents are the single greatest influence on a young person’s safe-driving habits,” Johnson said. “I encourage parents and guardians to make the most of the time your teen spends driving with you. Take your teen driving in a mix of driving environments and conditions, such as on highways and country roads, and in rain storms and heavy fog. The more experience they get while driving with you, the more confident and safe they’ll be driving by themselves.”

Michigan’s success in training new drivers is reflected in the remarkable reduction of young drivers aged 16 to 20 involved in crashes over the past decade. From 2004 to 2013, the number of crashes involving teen and young adult drivers decreased 38 percent and the number of fatal crashes involving that group decreased 45 percent.

Your stopping distance can be affected by fatigue, how well you pay attention, the type and weight of your vehicle, the condition of your tires and brakes, the type of road surface, and the weather. Try to estimate how much time and space you have for stopping on either dry or wet pavement. A three- to four-second following distance is required. Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Deter underage drinking, win a scholarship

Students: Here's a chance to win a $3,000 scholarship! Create your own video on the dangers of underage drinking and submit it by Feb. 12, 2015 at courageouspersuaders.com

More than $21,000 in scholarships will be awarded. In addition, the grand prize-winning student will receive the opportunity to participate in a professional editing session to make the video broadcast-ready. The winning commercial will be broadcast on the Courageous Persuaders website and on network television.

Teaching tip for parents

Plan to spend a good amount of time on parking practice with your teen - it's a difficult skill to learn.

Many crashes happen in parking lots, and mastering parking skills is an important way to help avoid collisions. Have your teen practice angle and perpendicular parking 15-20 times each.

Information excerpted from the Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, a helpful resource for families with young drivers.

Know if they are STOPPED

Parents: When you sign up for the Michigan Sheriffs' Association's free STOPPED program, you will be notified if your teen driver is pulled over for any reason.

Find out more