Here Are The 10 MI Counties With The Most Deer-Vehicle Crashes

MICHIGAN — Drivers striking a deer in Michigan are rising at an alarming rate, especially in November with an average of 360 crashes a day, according to Insurance Alliance of Michigan.

"At this time every year, we know deer are even more active across Michigan, and we urge drivers to be aware and stay safe on the roads," Insurance Alliance of Michigan executive director Erin McDonough said. "The past two years were the two highest years for deer-related crashes in a decade. We need all drivers to stay focused on the road, especially at dawn and dusk, so they stay safe and help prevent collisions."

In 2023, November was the worst month for deer-auto collisions, with 11,145 total crashes, according to the insurance group.

The majority of those crashes happened in the early morning hours between 6-9 a.m, according to the insurance group.

Michigan's deer population has increased by 2 percent since last year, according to the insurance group.

• Related - Here Are The Odds Of Hitting A Deer In MI In 2024

Insurance Alliance of Michigan is now teaming up with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs to help provide helpful information to drivers to avoid deer crashes.

"There are more than 2 million deer in the state, and one way to manage the population and reduce the number of crashes involving deer is through hunting," Michigan United Conservation Clubs Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter said. "The more hunters we have in Michigan and the more success they have, the more we can reduce the deer population where necessary and help prevent crashes."

Here are the Michigan counties with the most reported vehicle crashes involving deer in 2023:

1. Kent County (2,171)
2. Oakland County (2,125)
3. Genesee County (1,605)
4. Allegan County (1,545)
5. Jackson County (1,521)
6. Ottawa County (1,517)
7. Lapeer County (1,505)
8. Calhoun County (1,332)
9. Washtenaw County (1,320)
10. Clinton County (1,306)

The insurance group recommends the following safety tips:

• Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. If you see one deer, approach cautiously, as more could be 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.
• 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.