It‘s peak season for car crashes involving deer -- what to know

As deer hunting season begins in Michigan, car crashes involving deer significantly increase in November.

According to Michigan State Police, deer-involved fatalities increased by 73% from 2022 to 2023. November 2023 had the highest number of deer-involved crashes, with over 11,000 total crashes. October was not too far behind, with a little over 9,000 reported deer-involved crashes.

The following data shows deer-involved crash statistics for 2019 to 2023:

According to Michigan State Police, the majority of deer-involved crashes happen between the following times:

• 6 a.m. and 8:59 a.m.
• 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays appear to have the highest number of deer-involved crashes during the week.

Related: Michigan requests funding to study wildlife patterns with goal of prevent crashes

What to do if you encounter deer while driving

If you encounter deer while driving, it’s important to remain calm and remember not to immediately swerve -- the most serious crashes happen when motorists veer to avoid a deer and instead hit another vehicle or fixed object, or their vehicle rolls over.

Here are some tips to avoid a crash:

• Stay aware, awake and sober.
• Vehicle-deer crashes occur year-round, but be especially alert in spring and fall.
• Signs are placed at known deer crossing areas to alert you of the possible presence of deer.
• Deer are herd animals and frequently travel in single file. If you see one deer cross the road, chances are there are more waiting.
• Be alert for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. If you see one, slow down.
• Don’t rely on gimmicks, flashing your high-beam headlights or honking your horn to deter deer.

If a crash is unavoidable:

• Don’t swerve. Brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
• Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, and be cautious of other traffic if you exit your vehicle.
• Report the crash to the nearest police agency and your insurance company.

What to do if you hit a deer

Motorists: Turn on your emergency flashers, stay buckled up, and move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road if you can. If you cannot drive your vehicle and it is still in the line of traffic, carefully exit the vehicle, and stand at the side of the road out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Motorcyclists: If you can, remove your bike from the road. Get yourself to a safe place away from the road and oncoming traffic.

Motorists and Motorcyclists: Call the police to report the vehicle-deer crash. Be prepared to tell them: Your location.

• If there are any injuries to you and/or your passengers.
• If other vehicles have also been involved.
• If you think the deer is alive or dead and if it is blocking the road. Stay away from the deer. A wounded, frightened deer could be dangerous. After help arrives and if possible, document the incident, damage, and injuries in photographs. Do not assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Look for damage. Be prepared to call for a tow truck.
• Call your insurance company to report the vehicle-deer crash. You may need a police report number to start your claim.