Michigan Deer Crash Coalition
The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) was established in 1996. The mission of the MDCC is to mitigate both the frequency and severity of vehicle-deer crashes through public information, driver education, and applied research.
In Michigan in 2007, there were 61,907 reported vehicle-deer crashes with 11 motorist killed. About 80 percent of all car-deer crashes take place on two-lane roads between dusk and dawn. Vehicle-deer crashes are costly. In Michigan, vehicle-deer crashes cost at least $130 million per year; the average insurance claim is about $2,100 in damage, usually to the front of the vehicle, which often leaves it undriveable. The total number of vehicle-deer crashes, by county, is provided in the figure below. The five counties with the most vehicle-deer crashes in 2007 were: Kent (2,071), Jackson (2,030), Oakland (1,876), and Ingham (1,689).
MDCC reminds drivers to stay awake, alert, and sober — remembering that safety belts are the best defense in any collision. Also, be alert for deer in the spring and fall, especially at dawn and dusk — heeding deer crossing and speed limit signs, particularly on two-lane roads.
If a crash is unavoidable, MDCC cautions drivers not to swerve out of their lane to avoid deer. Instead, the coalition instructs drivers to brake firmly while securely gripping the steering wheel to bring the car to a controlled stop.
"Stay clear of deer all year" videos and PSAs:
Additional materials on this topic