BERRIEN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan State Police (MSP) Niles Post troopers, along with members of the Buchanan Police and Fire Departments, assisted with the rescue of a 25-year-old Buchanan female motorist who was trapped in her car following a crash that ended in the St. Joseph River Monday.
According to MSP Troopers, the driver was traveling on East River Road in Buchanan Township when she swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway.
After losing control, the vehicle struck a utility pole and two trees before going off a ledge, overturning, and landing in the St. Joseph River.
Since the roof of the vehicle was partially crushed, jaws of life were used to free the driver. She was transported to Lakeland hospital in Niles for non-life-threatening injuries.
No other occupants were in the vehicle.
MSP officials are now reminding motorists of the following tips in case of a deer encounter, or another animal in the roadway.
- Instead of swerving, just slow down as quickly and safely as you can.
- Swerving to avoid an animal can put you at risk for hitting another vehicle or losing control of your car.
- It can also confuse the animal as to which way to go.
- The odds for surviving an accident are better when hitting an animal than when hitting another car or object.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Buchanan Police & Fire Departments, Buchanan Township Fire Department, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS).
