Michigan Sees 58,000 Deer-Related Crashes in 2025

Drivers should prepare for peak deer activity, which resulted in over 1,700 injuries across the state last year.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Car Types

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a deer silhouette on a rural road, evoking road safety hazards in Michigan. — Michigan reported over 58,000 deer-related vehicle crashes in 2025, resulting in 13 deaths and more than 1,700 injuries across the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you know whether to swerve or brake if a deer suddenly enters the roadway?

Michigan drivers were involved in over 58,000 deer-related vehicle crashes during 2025. These incidents resulted in 13 deaths and 1,724 injuries across the state.

Why it matters

Deer collisions represent a significant safety risk for Michigan motorists, particularly during the peak breeding season between October and December. Understanding these risks helps drivers anticipate road hazards that can lead to severe property damage or physical harm.

Michigan recorded more than 58,000 deer-related crashes in 2025. Local incident counts include 2,259 crashes in Oakland County and 1,557 in Jackson County.

The details

Deer-related collisions occur most frequently along rural roads, wooded areas, and two-lane highways. While the impact of the deer itself is significant, experts warn that swerving to avoid an animal often causes secondary crashes with guardrails, trees, utility poles, or other vehicles.

2025 saw over 58,000 deer-related vehicle crashes.
October through December are identified as the peak season for deer-related incidents.

The Home Front

Deer-related vehicle damage is a consistent seasonal trend in Michigan, often spiking during the late-year breeding months. Tracking these annual figures helps homeowners understand road safety risks that frequently necessitate automotive insurance claims.

Drivers should exercise increased caution on rural roads and two-lane highways during the October through December peak season. If you encounter a deer, maintain your lane instead of swerving, as abrupt maneuvers often lead to more dangerous collisions with fixed objects.

The takeaway

Deer collisions remain a major road hazard in Michigan, with thousands of incidents resulting in significant injury each year. Always practice defensive driving during the peak season of October through December to minimize the risk of swerving-related accidents.