With nearly 600,000 hunters preparing to head out for the start of the Firearm Deer Season, it is important to remember that over 42.7 percent of vehicle-deer crashes occur in Michigan during the months of October, November and December.
Last year, 11 people were killed in deer crashes. Five were occupants in motor vehicles and six were motorcyclists. Another 1,633 people were injured in vehicle-deer crashes. In Michigan, vehicle-deer crashes are expensive, causing more than $130 million in damage annually. The state has a 2 million-strong deer herd. Deer frequently travel in groups. If you see one deer cross the road, chances are there are more nearby.
“With the onset of whitetail deer mating season and more traffic in the woods than normal, fall is a particularly dangerous time for deer-vehicle crashes in Michigan,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Shorter days call for motorists to be on the lookout for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.”
In 2022, there were 58,984 vehicle deer crashes, up almost 13% from 52,218 during 2021. Kent County had the most crashes with 2,250. The remaining top nine were Oakland (2,009), Jackson (1,652), Ottawa (1,511), Lapeer (1,500), Allegan (1,491), Genesee (1,459), Saginaw (1,301), Washtenaw (1,279) and Calhoun (1,267).
AAA offers these Five Fall Safety Tips:
Motorists
1. Stay awake, alert and sober.
2. Always wear a seat belt.
3. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
4. If you see one deer, slow down. Chances are there are others nearby.
5. If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, stay in your lane and bring your car to a controlled stop.
Motorcyclists
1. Stay awake, alert and sober.
2. Slow down and be alert for deer whenever you ride.
3. Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time.
4. Use high beam headlights and additional riding lights when possible.
5. Wear protective gear at all times.
