Body shops across northern Michigan are seeing an influx of vehicles involved in deer-related crashes. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that Michigan had nearly 59,000 deer-related crashes in 2023. With firearm deer season underway, deer are more active, leading to an increase in these incidents.
Tate’s Auto Body Service in Grand Traverse County is one of the many shops dealing with the aftermath of these crashes. The auto body shop is currently receiving four to five vehicles per day with deer damage, and in the past month, they have fixed 80 vehicles after deer crashes. The extent of the repairs depends on the severity of the impact, with larger deer hits requiring more time and effort to fix.
To prevent these crashes, AAA recommends several safety tips. Drivers should scan the road ahead, use high-beam headlights, and be extra cautious during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Additionally, always wearing a seatbelt can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision. If a collision is unavoidable, it’s best to apply the brakes and avoid swerving, as that can lead to further complications. After the incident, it’s important to move the vehicle off the road, report the crash if the deer is still on the roadway, and assess the damage to the vehicle.
