Extra Note of Caution as Firearm Deer Hunting Season Approaches

DEARBORN, Mich., (October 30, 2024) — With nearly 600,000 hunters preparing to head out for the start of the Firearm Deer Season, it is important to remember that over 43.8 percent of vehicle-deer crashes occur in Michigan during the months of October, November and December.

Last year, 19 people were killed in deer crashes. Eight were occupants in motor vehicles and 11 were motorcyclists.  Another 1,725 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 nearly 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 2023, there were 58,806 vehicle deer crashes, down slightly from 58,984 during 2022. Kent County had the most crashes with 2,171.  The remaining top nine were Oakland (2,125), Genesee (1,605), Allegan (1,545), Jackson (1,521), Ottawa (1,517), Lapeer (1,505), Calhoun (1,332), Washtenaw (1,320) and Clinton (1,306).

AAA offers these 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.

About AAA - The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 64 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.