A Michigan State trooper’s dashboard camera recently captured incredible footage of a deer hurdling over a moving car.
According to a tweet from the MSP’s Fifth District, which covers the southwestern part of the state, Trooper Anderson was driving down the highway on the evening of September 22 when several deer ran across the road. One deer in the distance can be seen leaping over the car in front of the trooper and safely landing on the other side.
After the spectacular feat, a third deer ran right in front of Anderson’s vehicle, causing him to brake. Amazingly, none of the deer were injured in the incident.
The MSP shared the video as a reminder to the public about traffic safety.
“Fall has arrived, with that comes the infamous increase of crossings. Watch here as Tpr. Anderson encounters a small herd & uses quick braking to avoid contact. Reminder: If deer cross your path — apply controlled braking; steer straight; don’t swerve,” the department tweeted.
With more than 2 million deer living in Michigan, state sees around 50,000 collisions between vehicles and deer each year, according to a page devoted to the issue on the MSP website. Most of those accidents occur between dusk and dawn in the fall and spring.
Experts advise drivers to never swerve when encountering a deer on the road. Although it’s a natural instinct, trying to steer around a deer that is in motion or likely to jump away from the car can actually make it more likely that you will strike it. Changing directly suddenly also increases the risk of running off the road or even rolling the car.
“Don’t swerve. Brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop,” the state website reads.
The MSP also echoed this tip.
“No one wants to hit a deer, but if you try to avoid the deer, the chance of crashing into another vehicle or losing control increases,” the department wrote on Twitter.