Michigan Ranked Fifth for Animal Collision Risk
Drivers in Michigan now face a 1 in 68 chance of hitting an animal while behind the wheel.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Do you change your driving habits during the fall to avoid hitting animals?
State Farm reported that Michigan drivers faced a 1 in 68 chance of an animal collision during the 2025-2026 cycle. This ranking places the state fifth in the nation for risk of such accidents.
Why it matters
Animal collisions represent a significant safety hazard and financial risk for Michigan households, particularly during the fall season when deer activity increases due to the rut. Across the country, animal-vehicle crashes remain a major concern with 1.6 million insurance claims filed in the most recent annual cycle.
Michigan drivers face a 1 in 68 collision risk, which is substantially higher than the national average likelihood of 1 in 145. These figures track against other high-risk states, led by West Virginia at 1 in 46.
The players
State Farm
A major insurance provider that tracks and publishes annual data on animal-vehicle collision trends across the United States.
Michigan State Police
The state law enforcement agency responsible for recording and reporting official motor vehicle crash statistics.
The details
Drivers can mitigate collision risks by maintaining slower speeds, especially in areas marked with animal-crossing signs. When an animal appears in the roadway, experts advise using high beams for better visibility and avoiding the urge to swerve or brake abruptly, which can often lead to more dangerous secondary collisions. With 210 deaths reported in animal-related vehicle crashes in 2024, staying alert remains essential for family safety.
Timeline
2024: 210 people died in animal-vehicle collisions.
2025: 60,907 animal-related crashes occurred in Michigan.
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026: Data collection period for the State Farm collision ranking.
September 15, 2026: State Farm released its collision report.
The Home Front
The heightened risk of collisions in Michigan mirrors a broader national trend where animal-vehicle insurance claims reached 1.6 million in the latest cycle. This data underscores the importance of regional road safety assessments for families living in areas with large deer populations.
Families should prioritize slowing down on two-lane roads where the majority of these crashes occur, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. Keep this collision risk in mind when planning fall travel and check your vehicle insurance coverage to ensure you are protected against unexpected animal-related damages.
The takeaway
Maintaining steady speed and avoiding abrupt maneuvers remains the safest way to handle unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Be aware that deer activity peaks during the fall rut, making this an ideal time to review your defensive driving habits and vehicle insurance policy.
Further reading
For more information on protecting your property and family during seasonal migrations, visit the Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Do you change your driving habits during the fall to avoid hitting animals?
