LANSING – A recent study highlights the dangers deer pose to motorcyclists in Michigan, particularly during non-daylight hours.
The study analyzed data from State Police regarding motorcycle crashes from January 2012 to December 2021. It found that 8.5% of the 30,196 reported crashes involved deer, with 2,445 motorcyclists and passengers affected, 509 of whom suffered severe injuries or fatalities. Risk increases to 24.1% during dawn, dusk, or night.
Authorities reported two fatal incidents in August: a 60-year-old rider from Harrisville and an 80-year-old from Yale, both unhelmeted when they collided with deer. A third case involved a 26-year-old Sand Lake motorcyclist, who was found deceased in June after hitting a deer while wearing a helmet.
The study, published in Wilderness & Environmental Health, underscores the higher injury risk for unhelmeted riders. Motorcycle fatalities in Michigan increased in 2024, with 168 reported deaths, a 2% rise from 2023.
State Police advise motorcyclists to ride cautiously during peak deer movement hours, consider staggered riding formations, and utilize both brakes effectively in emergency situations. The findings urge awareness of the significant dangers presented by deer to motorcyclists and the need for safety precautions.