Michigan deer crash map from the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition
Washtenaw County had 5,985 car-deer crashes in calendar years 2004-2008, according to a report from the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts system. Of those, 159 were within the City of Ann Arbor. More than half of the reported crashes were in the peak months of October, November, December and January.
The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition has put together a web site to share information and increase awareness of car-deer crashes, which account for at least $130 million in damages annually.
After the jump, you'll see a map of the 61,010 car-deer crashes reported statewide for 2008. Many crashes go unreported, so actual numbers are likely higher.
Scio Township deer on the run, 2007.
Courtesy Jonathan Greenberg
The Scio Township coyote that made the deer jumpy, 2007.
Courtesy Jonathan Greenberg
Here's a deer-car collision frequency map for 2008. Note that the frequency of crashes depends on the density of the deer, the amount of traffic in the area, and the skill of drivers in getting out of the way.
2008 car-deer crash frequency on a county-by-county basis through Michigan.
Courtesy Michigan Deer Crash Coalition
Comments
Tom Bruff
Fri, Jan 15, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.
I am a member of the Coalition and regularly report on the numbers of deer/vehicle crashes to bring awareness to this traffic safety issue. (Mr. Vielmetti) I agree that greater number of people you have in a community can play a role into the numbers of crashes but as it was further pointed out - it is more about the deer population and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Fortunately, as of late, the VMT has been going down but in an article in the Detroit Free Press (Dec. 6, www.freep.com/article/20091206/SPORTS10/912060488/Whitetail-kill-lower-than-expected) it was pointed out that fewer deer were killed during this years firearm season. This might be why we are seeing a reduction in both total traffic crashes and vehicle deer crashes but when looking at the percentages the numbers are much greater for all traffic crashes. The percent of vehicle/deer crashes has actually gone up from 2008 (19%) to nearly 22 percent in 2009, that's over 1 out of every 5 traffic crashes in the state involve a deer. For more information on vehicle/deer crashes you can go to SEMCOG's deer crash website at www.semcog.org/DeerCrashes.aspx.
John Hritz
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 1:20 p.m.
So how many deer were taken by hunting during the same period and how many licenses were issued? Are cars more effective at managing the deer population then bows and shotguns?
PittsfieldTwp
Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.
Probably a more useful variable to map would be crash count/population. It would give you a better picture of likelihood to collide with a deer.