The Month With the Most Car-Deer Collisions in Michigan
If you've driven in Michigan, you're well aware that deer view roads as a life-sized version of Frogger. At any time of day, any day of the year, there's a chance your vehicle could meet a whitetail deer on nearly any road. But, according to data from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there are peak hours and months for car-deer collisions.
RELATED: Car Deer Crashes In Michigan: Which County Has The Most?
Before we count down to the month with the most car-deer crashes, let's take a look at the time of day most accidents happen.
Michigan’s Most Dangerous Hours for Deer Strikes
Using the latest available data (2023), there are two main periods when you'll want to be on the lookout for deer in Michigan, accounting for over half of the 58,806 that occurred in a year.
The second most frequent period for car-deer collisions is between 6:00 a.m. and 8:59 a.m. While not a surprise to experienced drivers, this time is especially nerve-racking for parents of first-time drivers making their way to school in the morning.
While you can spot a whitetail from a few hundred yards out and also know that where there's one, there's 50 more, younger Michiganders with few hours behind the wheel aren't as savvy. Almost 14,000 deer-related crashes in 2023 happened during this time.
RELATED: Study Reveals Your Odds of Hitting a Deer in Michigan
Evening Deer Activity
The worst time of day for crashes is between 6:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., with nearly 15,000. The mid-day and overnight numbers are far lower, but be ready for "Bambi's Battle Royale" in the early mornings and evenings.
The Worst Month for Deer Collisions in Michigan
While times are consistent throughout the year, some months are downright treacherous. Think October's bad? Guess again. Ready to count down to the month in Michigan with the most car-deer collisions? Scroll on for details.
When Michigan Drivers Are Most Likely to Hit a Deer
Gallery Credit: Scott Clow