Motorcycle Crashes Involving Deer Lead to Increased Injuries in Michigan, Study Finds
A recent study reveals significant dangers for motorcyclists colliding with deer on Michigan roads.
According to the study from the University of Michigan-Sparrow Hospital and partners, 8.5% of motorcycle crashes from January 2012 to December 2021 involved deer, with 2,445 riders affected, resulting in 509 severe injuries or fatalities. The risk increases to 24.1% during non-daylight hours.
In August, a 60-year-old Harrisville motorcyclist and an 80-year-old Yale man both died in separate incidents after colliding with deer. Both riders were unhelmeted, according to local sheriff’s offices. A June incident involved a 26-year-old Sand Lake man who was found dead after a deer collision while wearing a helmet.
Witnesses reported a marked difference in injury severity between helmeted and unhelmeted riders. The study finds unhelmeted motorcyclists face more than twice the risk of severe injury or death.
Nationally, it is estimated that one to two million vehicle-animal crashes occur each year, with Michigan seeing a peak season for these incidents in the fall. The study recommends cautious riding practices, including staggered patterns for groups and implementing wildlife management measures, such as roadway fencing and overpasses.
State Police statistics indicate a rise in overall traffic crashes and fatalities in Michigan, with motorcycle-related incidents increasing by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023.