Whereas , On average in Michigan, there is a car-deer crash every nine minutes; and,

Whereas , In 2007, there were 61,907 car-deer crashes reported in our state, constituting a threat to the health and safety of the motoring public; and,

Whereas , Last year, 11 motorists were killed and 1,614 injured as the result of car-deer crashes; and,

Whereas , Car-deer crashes are costly to Michigan drivers, averaging $2,100 per insurance claim and more than $130 million repair claims paid out statewide; and,

Whereas , The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working to keep the deer population in balance with its surrounding habitat; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2008 as Michigan Car-Deer Crash Safety Awareness Month, and I encourage all citizens to drive cautiously and be aware of the possibility of deer crossing the roadways.