Michigan has witnessed a concerning rise in deer-related accidents, reaching the highest count in a decade, with 58,984 incidents reported in 2022—a 13% increase from the previous year.
As firearm deer season kicks off, there is a call for heightened driver awareness, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer activity peaks. November, 2022 has been cited as the worst month with 10,923 crashes. Kent County leads the list with 2,250 reported incidents.
Safety tips to avoid deer-related accidents include watching for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. If you see one deer, approach cautiously, as there may be more out of sight. Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas, and always wear your seat belt. 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.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
