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:

• Keep conscious, awake and sober.

• Car-deer crashes happen year-round, however be particularly alert in spring and fall.

• Indicators are positioned at recognized deer crossing areas to warn you of the attainable presence of deer.

• 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.

• Be alert for deer, particularly at daybreak and nightfall. In case you see one, decelerate.

• Don’t depend on gimmicks, flashing your high-beam headlights or honking your horn to discourage deer.

If a crash is unavoidable:

• Don’t swerve. Brake firmly, maintain onto the steering wheel, and convey your car to a managed cease.

• Pull off the highway, flip in your emergency flashers, and be cautious of different site visitors for those who exit your car.

• Report the crash to the closest police company and your insurance coverage firm.

Video reveals deer leaping over automotive in West Michigan

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