Municipality-by-municipality data from 2023 shows the Top 5 for car-deer crashes in Livingston County was led by Genoa Township with 102, followed by Howell Township with 91, Brighton Township at 87, Hartland Township with 85, and Hamburg Township with 80.
There were a total of 1,046 car-deer crashes in 2023, the latest data that breaks down the numbers into municipalities. However, 2024 stats for Michigan by county show that deer crashes in Livingston County were down to 989, or by about 5.5%.
There were 56,697 crashes involving deer last year, according to the 2024 Michigan Traffic Crash Reporting year-end report. The bulk of those crashes occurred October through December, with just over 10,000 reported in November, when it gets darker earlier and animals are more active during mating season.
What the experts say
If you encounter a deer while driving and a collision is unavoidable, authorities advise you to brake firmly and stay in your lane, avoiding sudden swerving. If you end up hitting a deer, you’re advised to pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and call law enforcement. While you might be tempted to approach the deer, you shouldn’t as it may be injured and could attack.
If you find yourself driving at dawn or dusk, you need to be extra cautious. The hours during which most deer crashes in the state occur from 6-8:59 a.m., and 6-8:59 p.m. The most dangerous hour for crashes is 7-8 a.m. Click here for more info.
Suggestions to avoid hitting a deer and for staying safe if you should hit one include:
• Reducing your speed at dawn and dusk
• Using high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic to better see the deer’s eyes
• Paying attention to deer crossing signs and areas where roads meet forests or field
• Remembering that deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, you’re likely to see more
• Honking your horn as a single, long blast could frighten deer away
• Always wearing your seat belt.
