Deer flies through windshield and out rear window in deadly crash, Michigan cops say

A Michigan driver is dead after a deer flew through the car in a fatal collision, officials said.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office says the 55-year-old Zeeland man was driving through Zeeland Township in western Michigan when he struck a deer Tuesday morning, WOOD-TV reported.

The deer entered the Honda Civic through the windshield and exited out the car’s rear window, according to Michigan Live. The car then left the road and came to a stop in a nearby ditch, where the driver, who was wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead.

The crash is still under investigation, WXMI reported, though investigators said they do not believe speeding, alcohol or drugs were involved.

The man’s name has not been released by investigators.

Michigan State Police say that each year, almost 50,000 vehicle-deer crashes are reported within the state. About 80% of those crashes occur between dusk and dawn on two-lane roads.

The state’s population of more than two million deer is most active in spring and fall, officials say, though deer crashes occur year round.

Last month, WZZN reported that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources warned drivers they might notice more deer on the roads this year. This is due to 200,000 fewer deer hunters in the state.

“The most serious crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or a fixed object, or when their vehicle rolls over,” Michigan State Police say.

If you are about to hit a deer, the department advises you to not swerve. Instead, firmly press on the brake, hold your steering wheel and bring the vehicle to a stop.

This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Deer flies through windshield and out rear window in deadly crash, Michigan cops say."