Michigan driving lesson · Emergencies and Special Situations
Roadside emergencies, crashes and deer
A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Knowing your duties at a crash scene — and how to handle a deer in your headlights — protects lives and keeps you on the right side of the law.
Know the rule
From 2014 to 2018, about 10 percent of pedestrian traffic deaths involved a roadside emergency. Generally, the safest choice is to stay in your car with your seat belt buckled until help arrives.
If you're in a crash, don't drive away. Leaving the scene is illegal and punishable by fines, jail or both — more if alcohol, injuries or deaths are involved.
If you hit a deer, report it to local law enforcement, the county sheriff, the Michigan State Police or the DNR. They can give you a permit to keep it.
At dusk a deer steps into your lane and there's no time to stop. Don't swerve into oncoming traffic or the ditch. Brake firmly, hold the wheel with both hands, stay in your lane and come to a controlled stop.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If you're involved in a crash, what must you never do?
Move your vehicle off the roadway if safe
Drive away from the scene
Call for medical help
Exchange information
Answer: Drive away from the scene
Leaving the scene of a crash is against the law and punishable by fines, jail time, or both.