Rochester Hills drivers should watch for increased deer activity this fall, especially at dawn and dusk, according to the city’s October nature newsletter.

The city recorded 118 deer-vehicle crashes in 2025, including 60 in October, November and December. Collisions were most frequent around 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The city places “Deer Crash Area, Use Caution” signs at crash hotspots from October through December.

Michigan drivers reported 58,324 deer-involved crashes in 2024, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts. Oakland County logged 2,024 of those crashes, one of only two counties in the state to cross the 2,000 threshold.

November had the most deer-involved crashes statewide in 2024, with 10,017, followed by October with 9,428.

Michigan ranked fifth nationally for animal-vehicle collision likelihood in State Farm’s report, covering July 2025 through June 2026. A Michigan driver’s odds of hitting an animal stood at 1 in 68.

State Farm estimated more than 1.6 million animal-vehicle collision claims nationwide across the insurance industry during that period. State Farm itself paid $1.9 billion in animal-vehicle collision claims.

The city created its Deer Management Advisory Committee on Feb. 9, 2009, to review its deer-management policy. The committee reviews crash statistics and deer surveys and makes recommendations to City Council.

State Farm and the city deliver the same core advice: brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can cause a loss of control or a collision with another vehicle.

While most Michigan deer-involved crashes in 2024 caused only property damage, the crashes injured 1,816 people and killed 14, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts.

After a collision, State Farm advises moving to a safe location when possible, turning on hazard lights and calling police if the animal is blocking traffic or creating a hazard. Do not approach an injured animal.