Michigan
Share the road: A look at vehicle-deer crash data in Michigan
Have you ever been feeling like there are extra deer on the highway than common?
Which may be as a result of the deer inhabitants appears to be rising in Michigan’s Decrease Peninsula — however it’s additionally as a result of it’s simply that point of the 12 months.
Michigan officers don’t maintain statewide deer inhabitants estimates, however an professional in 2021 estimated that there are round 2 million deer within the state. The constant decline in deer hunters is partly liable for a seemingly rising deer herd in Michigan’s Decrease Peninsula.
Motorcar-deer crashes happen typically within the state of Michigan, particularly towards the top of the 12 months. Tens of hundreds of crashes are reported within the state every year, although solely a handful of these crashes are deadly.
Let’s dive into how typically these crashes happen, once they happen and the place.
Variety of crashes
Since 2011, the state has recorded at the least 50,000 vehicle-deer crashes every year.
In 2021, there have been 52,218 motor vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan. About 1,449 accidents and 10 deaths had been reported from these crashes. Officers say six of these deaths had been motorcyclists.
The numbers had been barely decrease in 2020, maybe as a consequence of fewer drivers on the highway amid the onset of the pandemic. There have been 51,103 vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan in 2020, with 1,400 reported accidents and 5 reported deaths. Two of these deaths had been motorcyclists.
Over the past 10 years, the variety of crashes every year has stayed pretty according to some slight fluctuations.
The fewest crashes occurred in 2014, with 45,690 vehicle-deer crashes reported within the state. Essentially the most crashes occurred in 2019, with 55,531 crashes reported.
The variety of vehicle-deer crashes recorded in Michigan as we speak are literally barely decrease than the numbers reported greater than 10 years in the past. Knowledge from the previous 20 years reveals that the early 2000s skilled probably the most deer-involved crashes than any of the years that adopted.
The 12 months 2003 noticed probably the most vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan than some other 12 months within the final 20 years, with 67,760 crashes recorded in complete. 2002 recorded the second-highest quantity, with 63,136 crashes, whereas 2004 noticed 62,707 crashes.
The variety of annual crashes then considerably plateaued till dipping barely within the early 2010s. The numbers have been rising since, though inconsistently.
Time of day with most crashes
Although the variety of crashes adjustments every year, the info reveals that almost all crashes are likely to happen across the similar occasions of day.
Essentially the most vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan happen between 6 a.m.-8:59 a.m., and between 6 p.m.-8:59 p.m. The third hottest time for crashes to happen is between 9 p.m. and midnight.
The reasoning behind these numbers might must do with the time of the 12 months that almost all of those crashes happen.
Months with most crashes
In 2021, most vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan — 42.5% — occurred between October and December. That is an annual development: The numbers had been related in 2020, with 42.6% of vehicle-deer crashes occurring between October and December.
As , throughout these months, the solar rises later within the mornings and earlier within the evenings — which can account for the various nightfall/daybreak vehicle-deer crashes that happen in Michigan.
Officers say there are extra deer working round and crossing the highway towards the top of the 12 months as a result of they’re in search of mates.
Extra: Right here’s why automotive crashes involving deer spike within the fall in Metro Detroit
Counties with most crashes
Majority of vehicle-deer crashes that happen in Michigan happen within the Metro Detroit space.
Oakland County noticed probably the most vehicle-deer crashes in 2021, recording 1,853 crashes in complete. Close by Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston and Washtenaw counties every recorded greater than 1,000 crashes, as effectively.
Oakland County officers say their county experiences probably the most crashes as a result of there usually are not as many deer hunters, the area has loads of meals for the deer, and folks might not anticipate to come across deer on this particular space, so it takes them abruptly.
Kent County on the state’s west facet recorded the second-highest variety of vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan in 2021, reporting 1,810 crashes. The encircling counties of Ottawa, Allegan and Kalamazoo additionally recorded greater than 1,000 crashes in 2021.
A number of of the southernmost counties within the Decrease Peninsula had a big quantity of crashes, particularly in comparison with northern Decrease Peninsula counties, which have far decrease numbers. Oscoda County, for instance, reported solely 113 such crashes. Some counties within the Higher Peninsula had even fewer.
What to do for those who encounter deer whereas driving
In case you encounter deer whereas driving, it’s vital to stay calm and bear in mind to not instantly swerve — probably the most severe crashes occur when motorists veer to keep away from a deer and as a substitute hit one other car or mounted object, or their car rolls over.
Listed here are some tricks to keep away from a crash:
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Keep conscious, awake and sober.
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Car-deer crashes happen year-round, however be particularly alert in spring and fall.
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Indicators are positioned at recognized deer crossing areas to warn you of the attainable presence of deer.
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Deer are herd animals and incessantly journey in single file. In case you see one deer cross the highway, likelihood is there are extra ready.
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Be alert for deer, particularly at daybreak and nightfall. In case you see one, decelerate.
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Don’t depend on gimmicks, flashing your high-beam headlights or honking your horn to discourage deer.
If a crash is unavoidable:
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Don’t swerve. Brake firmly, maintain onto the steering wheel, and convey your car to a managed cease.
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Pull off the highway, flip in your emergency flashers, and be cautious of different site visitors for those who exit your car.
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Report the crash to the closest police company and your insurance coverage firm.
Video reveals deer leaping over automotive in West Michigan
Beforehand on Knowledge Drop:
Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Michigan
New Year’s Eve: How to follow Michigan fireworks laws, keep pets safe
2025 numerals arrive in Times Square for New Year’s Eve celebration
The seven-foot-tall 2025 numerals, with 620 total bulbs, have arrived in New York’s Time Square ahead of this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
New Year’s Eve is one of five holidays when Michigan state law permits the use of fireworks. From 11 a.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, consumer-grade fireworks, like sparklers, smoke bombs, Roman candles, and aerials, which launch into the air to explode, can be set off on personal property.
Some places in Michigan have less restrictive local ordinances that allow more time and days for fireworks, but state law requires fireworks to be allowed after 11 a.m. on certain holidays. Violations of local ordinances can result in a $1,000 civil fine.
Lighting fireworks on public property — including sidewalks, schools, and churches — or another person’s property without permission is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Aerial fireworks, including Roman candles, cannot be used at Michigan state parks, trails, and harbors. However, smaller fireworks like sparklers and fountains are permitted, per the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Selling fireworks to a minor is illegal in Michigan.
“When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks resulting in property damage, injury or death of another person, individuals are subject to a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years and fines of up to $10,000 or both,” according to the state’s website.
Fireworks can be a nightmare for pets. Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe and reducing their anxiety this New Year’s Eve:
- Don’t leave your animals alone if they have trouble with loud noises.
- Keep pets indoors in a safe room or cage to avoid injury from running into dangerous items in your home.
- Close all curtains and windows to reduce noises from outside.
- Tire pets out with exercise, like walks or playtime, earlier in the day.
- Provide pets with enrichment activities, like a frozen lick mat with treats.
- Get your pet soundproof earmuffs or play soothing sounds on a sound machine to muffle noise.
Michigan
Michigan superintendent accused of smoking weed with colleague, having gun on school grounds
A Michigan school superintendent was ousted from her position for allegedly getting high with a colleague on school grounds and then driving off in her car – where police found a hunting rifle stashed in the backseat.
Hollie Stange, who headed Fitzgerald Public Schools in Warren, is accused of getting behind the wheel after police spotted her smoking marijuana with the district’s food services director for several minutes in a parked car 1,000 feet from school grounds, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police arrested Stange and Amanda Carroll, both 38, after the pair left in separate vehicles on Dec. 20, and were found allegedly driving “under the influence.”
“This is deeply concerning and violates the trust our community places in these school administrators,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said.
“Driving under the influence and possessing drugs near school grounds is not only unlawful but also puts the safety of our children at risk. As individuals entrusted with the well-being of Macomb County’s children, we will take all necessary legal steps to ensure accountability.”
Police found a rifle wrapped in a blanket in the backseat of Stange’s car, along with a 50-gram bag of marijuana in her purse, WWJ reported.
A 6-year-old was inside Carroll’s vehicle when police pulled her over.
Carroll was also in possession of more than 25 grams of weed, the outlet reported.
Prosecutors believe Stange had the gun in her car while she was on school grounds.
Both women were placed on leave, pending an internal review, on Sunday following a unanimous vote by the Fitzgerald School Board.
“The Fitzgerald Public Schools Board of Education today voted unanimously to place District Superintendent Stange and Amanda Carroll on leave effective immediately pending our internal review and the ongoing criminal investigation,” board president Julia Yokel said in a Facebook post.
“The school district is cooperating with local law enforcement and will continue to do so.”
Stange is charged with possession of marijuana on school grounds, possession of a weapon in a weapon free zone and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, prosecutors said.
Charges against Carroll include possession of marijuana on school grounds, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated second offense and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with an occupant less than 16 years old.
Both women were arraigned on Dec. 21 in Warren District Court, and their bond was set at $5,000 each.
Both are barred from entering school grounds unless otherwise directed, no uses of alcohol or drugs with random testing twice a week and limited contact with each other, prosecutors said.
Stange is also restricted from using any firearms.
“My client is a dedicated educator and administrator with two decades of services, a mother of two young children herself, and is presumed innocent under the law,” William Barnwell, defense attorney for Stange, told the Detroit Free Press.
“They have to prove she knew the weapon was in the vehicle, they have to prove distance (from school grounds) and they have to prove impairment.”
They will appear in court next on Jan. 2.
Michigan
Will Mikey Keene be Michigan’s Week 1 starting quarterback in 2025?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Michigan Wolverines fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Michigan now has a veteran quarterback in the fold for the 2025 season. On Monday afternoon, Fresno State transfer QB Mikey Keene committed to the Wolverines.
Keene had a 70.5 completion percentage in 2024 with 2,892 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions at Fresno State. Keene was at Central Florida for his first two years and is familiar with Michigan’s new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey. Lindsey was Central Florida’s offensive coordinator in 2022 while Keene was at UCF. Keene fared well in ‘22 with Lindsey when he saw the field, throwing for 647 yards, six touchdowns and one interception with a 72.3 completion rate.
Does Keene’s veteran presence and familiarity in Chip Lindsey’s scheme give him the edge to ultimately be named Michigan’s starting quarterback in Week 1 against New Mexico next season? Or will the 2025 No. 1 overall prospect and No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood prove to be ready to roll right out of the gate? Vote below.
Whether Keene winds up starting or not he was brought in to compete with Underwood and receive a shot at the starting position in 2025. Keene, who stands 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, will be entering his fifth collegiate season in 2025 and has amassed 8,245 passing yards, 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in his career with a 67.8 completion percentage.
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