Bloomfield Township police log eight deer crashes in one week
Officials warn that vehicle crashes involving deer in the region often double between October and December, with more than 2,000 incidents recorded annually.
By Lorenzo Evans ·
Bloomfield Township police recorded eight vehicle collisions involving deer in the week ending November 9, 2026. The Bloomfield Township Police Department and the Road Commission for Oakland County identified this period as a peak time for such incidents. Community Relations Officer Sean Manor stated that the department typically handles three to five of these crashes per week. During the months of October, November, and December, that weekly volume frequently doubles. Manor described the current rate as approximately one to two collisions per day.
Craig Bryson, the Senior Communications Manager for the Road Commission for Oakland County, noted that the county experiences more than 2,000 deer-vehicle crashes annually. He identified this figure as one of the highest totals in Michigan. Bryson attributed the high incidence to the dense forestry in parts of the community. He explained that such environments are ideal for sustaining large deer populations.
Local drivers report frequent sightings of deer on the road. Austin Thorp, a driver in the area, stated that he has never hit a deer but has seen severe damage to other vehicles. He described a specific incident where a deer rolled up a vehicle's hood and roof like the top of a tin can. Thorp now drives slowly and assumes that if one deer is visible, others are nearby. He keeps his phone down to maintain focus on the road.
Officials advise drivers to scan for movement, particularly at dawn and dusk. Bryson said these are the most likely times for deer to be active, though they can appear at any hour. Manor recommended using high-beam lights when no oncoming traffic is visible. Both Bryson and Manor warned against swerving to avoid an animal. They stated that veering off the road or into another lane could cause more damage than the initial impact.
The Road Commission places signage in areas with high collision rates. Bryson acknowledged that signs do not guarantee safety because deer do not read them. He noted that deer often enter traffic without checking for oncoming vehicles. Manor added that drivers must remain vigilant because fawns often travel with adult deer. The county continues to monitor crash data to update signage locations throughout the season.
