Car–deer crashes are a year-round problem that deserves the attention of the motoring public. Every year in Michigan car-deer crashes take the lives of drivers or their passengers, cause thousands of serious injuries, and result in millions of dollars in property damage.
The state’s 1.75 million-strong deer herd is most active in spring and fall, but it is autumn when the largest percentage of crashes occur. Car-deer crashes are at least a $130 million a year problem in Michigan. The average car-deer crash causes about $2,135 in damage, usually to the front end, often leaving the vehicle not safe to drive.
When you see a deer on the roadway ahead you sometimes have only a brief moment to react. And you may not know the right thing to do. Statistics show that most motorist deaths and injuries occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting the deer and strike a fixed object, like a tree, or hit another vehicle. No one wants to see a deer destroyed, but striking the animal is often the safest action.
In 2006 there were 60,875 reported car-deer crashes. However, because as many as half of all car-deer crashes may not be reported, the total is likely much greater. Twelve motorists were killed (compared to 9 in 2005) and 1,477 were injured (compared to 1,701 in 2005).
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injury or death in vehicle-deer crashes. Over 80% of motorcycle-deer crashes involve an injury and in 2006 fatalities increased.
Car-deer crashes occur all year, but they are especially prevalent during the fall mating season (Oct. 15-Dec. 15) and during spring when deer seek out the first green grass near roads. Due to rapid development in previously rural areas and a statewide deer herd four times larger than in 1970, and 10 times larger in southern Lower Michigan, the problem is not going away.
