Fall is here — time for motorists to watch for deer
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ESCANABA -- The number of accidents between motor vehicles and white-tailed deer increase in the fall. Last year, 36.6% of vehicle-deer collisions in the Upper Peninsula happened during the fourth quarter of the year (October through December), according to a 2022 Michigan Traffic Crash Facts report that was compiled by the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).
October and November have repeatedly been the months with the greatest number of incidents. Looking at "unofficial statistics" gathered over a five-year span (2018 to 2022), MDOT's Daniel Weingarten pointed out that the average number of car-deer crashes in those two months was 179% higher than the average for the other ten.
"Right now through the end of November is the busiest; that's when we see the most car-deer accidents for sure," said Sgt. Steve Kositzky at the Delta County Sheriff's Office. He estimated that about 30% of car-deer accidents align with the deer rut (mating season) when the animals are on the move.
"People hit deer close to every day," said Sgt. Patrick Janisse at the Michigan State Police Gladstone Post, but he acknowledged that there is always an uptick "when hunting season approaches." Janisse pointed out that hunters in the woods lead to deer venturing out of forests that usually provide safety.
Over 40% of vehicle crashes in the U.P. last year involved deer. Statewide, crashes with deer only accounted for 20% of total crashes. In Delta County, 50% of all automobile accidents in 2022 involved deer. There were 568 such crashes in Delta County alone last year, more than any other county in the U.P.
Deer are crepuscular creatures, meaning that they are most active in the twilight hours at dawn and dusk. The highest number of reported vehicle-deer collisions occur from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., but crashes happen at all times of day, year-round.
Many people's commutes fall in those windows of elevated activity when visibility is reduced.
"The best piece of advice is to stay vigilant," said Janisse, and said this is especially important during the early morning and late evening. "Looking up, looking at the ditch and the roadline."
To avoid collisions, motorists are advised to stay alert, awake, aware, and sober. Drivers and passengers should wear seat belts. High-beam headlights are useful. In the dark, it is especially important to travel at speeds that allow for safe stopping when the unexpected arises. Motorcyclists may choose to cover the front brakes to reduce reaction time. Progressive application of all available brakes will produce the shortest stopping distance.
"If you have to stop or slow down, be cognizant of other vehicles," warned Janisse.
If a collision is imminent, OHSP states that brakes should be applied firmly without veering or swerving. This is true for cars and trucks as well as motorcycles. If a swerve is necessary on a motorcycle, it should be done without braking, as using both together in emergency situations may cause a loss of control and a more serious crash. (This advice is given by both the OHSP and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.)
Kositzky recalled an incident to which he personally responded, when a person on a motorcycle was killed in a collision with a deer. In that instance, he said, "the deer took him off the motorbike" from the side, and the rider had not been wearing a helmet.
In most reported car-deer accidents, property damage is sustained. Usually it is front end damage, such as that to grilles and headlights, but "there have been accidents where the vehicles are not driveable," said Kositzky.
Following a crash, protocol is for motorists to turn on their flashers and move the vehicle to the side of the road if possible. The crash should be reported to the police, with the caller providing the location, injuries to drivers or passengers, if any other vehicles were involved, and the state of the deer and whether it is blocking the road. Insurance claims should be done afterwards, as insurance companies may require a police report number.
Injured deer should not be approached, as they can be dangerous when wounded and frightened.
The Delta County Road Commission said they "try not to" move deer carcasses unless they are posing a roadway hazard. If that is the case, they will be moved towards the woods.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources requires an individual to obtain a free Michigan road kill salvage permit before possessing an animal unintentionally killed in a vehicular crash. The driver of the vehicle is given the first choice to claim the game.