LANSING – A study by researchers from the University of Michigan-Sparrow Hospital and Michigan State University highlights the dangers motorcyclists face from deer collisions in Michigan. The report indicates that 8.5% of motorcycle crashes from January 2012 through December 2021 involved deer, resulting in 509 severe injuries or fatalities.
In August, a 60-year-old motorcyclist from Harrisville died following a deer collision, and an 80-year-old man from Yale suffered fatal injuries in a similar incident. Both riders were not wearing helmets, according to the Alcona and Sanilac County Sheriff’s Offices. In June, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office reported the death of a 26-year-old motorcyclist from Sand Lake who was wearing a helmet at the time of his crash with a deer.
The study, published in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Health, found that the risk of severe injury or death was over twice as high for unhelmeted riders. The proportion of deer-related crashes rose to 24.1% during non-daylight hours.
Authorities advised motorcyclists to exercise caution, especially at night and during dawn or dusk. Strategies to mitigate collisions include staggering riding formations in groups and maintaining alertness to avoid sudden deer encounters.
In 2024, Michigan saw a reported increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities, with 3,187 incidents and 168 fatalities. State Police emphasized the importance of helmet use in reducing injury severity among motorcyclists.