Deer Alert: Here's Where You Stand the Greatest Chance of Hitting a Deer

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As fall approaches — and with it, the rut season for deer — motorists in Oakland County need to be especially vigilant.

It’s the worst place in the state for vehicle-deer crashes, according to the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition.

In 2014, Oakland county led the state with 1,750 vehicle-deer crashes, including six that were fatal. Another 1,072 motorists were injured in those crashes.

1. Oakland County
2. Kent County
3. Jackson County
4. Lapeer County
5. Eaton County
6. Sanilac County
7. Clinton County
8. Montcalm County
9. Genesee County
10. Washtenaw County

According to the statistics released Monday, 42 percent of all deer-vehicle crashes in 2014 occurred during the months of October and November, when deer are most active.

Vehicle-deer crashes cause about $130 million a year in property damages. Statewide in 2014, there were 45,690 deer-vehicle crashes, down from 49,205 in 2013.

“Many injuries and deaths occur when motorists veer to avoid the deer,” Lori Conaton, chair of the coalition and a representative of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, said in a statement. “So when a deer crash is unavoidable, it is important to have your hands on the steering wheel, slow down and stay in your own lane.”

Michigan’s deer herd is estimated at 1.75 million animals. Deer frequently travel in groups, and if you see one, it’s likely more are nearby.

“Deer are often seen calmly feeding near highways, but when they panic, they may appear in front of your windshield in no time at all,” Brent Rudolph, deer program leader for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement. “Drivers must be prepared — look for other deer following the first in a line and keep an eye for deer doubling back once they have moved out of a traffic lane.”

Here are some safety tips to avoid a collision.

• Stay awake, alert and sober.
• Always wear a safety belt.
• Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
• If you see one deer, slow down; chances are good there are others nearby.
• If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, stay in your lane and bring your car to a controlled stop.

If you are on a motorcycle, follow these tips:

• Be alert for deer whenever you ride
• Slow down.
• Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time
• Use high beam headlights and additional riding lights when possible.
• Wear protective gear at all times.

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Photo by Dennis Hamilton via Flickr/Creative Commons