Drivers must be on guard for additional deer activity Firearm deer season begins today and runs through Nov. 30
LANSING – Michigan has seen a steady increase in deer-involved crashes recently, and last year saw the highest amount in a decade. With firearm deer season beginning today, the Insurance Alliance of Michigan (IAM) is urging caution among drivers, particularly at dawn and dusk.
“With hunters moving out to their blinds and out in fields across the state, we know it causes increased activity for deer who wander onto the roadway, and we caution drivers to stay focused and alert over these next few weeks in particular,” said IAM Executive Director Erin McDonough. “Our hope is to reverse this trend and bring down the number of deer-involved crashes through extra vigilance and proper driving techniques.”
According to data from the Michigan State Police, there were 58,984 deer-involved crashes in Michigan in 2022, up 13 percent from the year before. The month of November was the worst of any month last year, which saw 10,923 total crashes.
The majority of those crashes occurred between 6 and 9 p.m.
The counties with the most reported vehicle crashes involving deer in 2022 were:
1) Kent County (2,250)
2) Oakland County (2,009)
3) Jackson County (1,652)
4) Ottawa County (1,511)
5) Lapeer County (1,500)
6) Allegan County (1,491)
7) Genesee County (1,459)
8) Saginaw County (1,301)
9) Washtenaw County (1,279)
10) Calhoun County (1,267)
In 2022, 1,633 people were injured, and 11 people were killed in deer-involved crashes. That’s up from 2021, when such crashes resulted in 1,449 injuries and 10 deaths.
“It’s so important to be mindful during this time of year, and to watch for deer and remember that when you see one, it’s likely there are more nearby as they often travel in groups,” McDonough said. “When deer dart out in front of traffic, the instinct often is to veer away, but it is important not to swerve as you will likely cause more damage or hit something or someone else on the road.”
IAM recommends the additional following safety tips:
- Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. If you see one deer, approach cautiously, as there may be more out of sight.
- Deer often travel single file, so if you see one cross a road it’s likely more are nearby waiting to cross. When startled by an approaching vehicle, deer can panic and dart out from any direction.
- Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and then proceed to steer your vehicle off the roadway.
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IAM is a government affairs and public information association that represents auto, home and business insurance companies and related organizations operating in Michigan. Learn more about IAM and its members on Facebook, Twitter or at www.insurancealliancemichigan.org.
