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Vehicle-Deer Safety

Vehicle-Deer Crashes in Southeast Michigan
There were 6,062 vehicle-deer crashes in Southeast Michigan in 2010 (down from 6,560 in 2009 and 6,278 in 2008). In 2010, there were no fatalities in Southeast Michigan, there were 11 fatalities involving deer in the state (up from 10 in 2009). Eight of 11 people killed were driving motorcycles. To address this growing concern, the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) has developed special safety tips for motorcyclist.

SEMCOG reminds drivers to buckle up, stay awake, alert, and slow down — remembering that safety belts are the best defense in any collision. Also, be alert for deer in the spring and fall, especially at dawn and dusk — heeding deer crossing and speed limit signs, particularly on two-lane roads.

If a crash is unavoidable, SEMCOG cautions drivers: not to swerve out of their lane to avoid deer. Instead, drivers should brake firmly while securely gripping the steering wheel to bring the car to a controlled stop. Then safely steer your vehicle off to the side of the road.

Maps
Southeast Michigan deer crash map (PDF, 5.92 MB)
Southeast Michigan deer crash table display (PDF, 713 KB)
State of Michigan deer crash table display (PDF, 843 KB)