Michigan’s Fall Driving Danger: State Ranked Among Worst for Animal Crashes

US News has released its annual ranking for states with the highest instances of animal-vehicle collisions, and as someone whose truck looks like it's been in a cage match with Michigan wildlife, trust me — it's that time of year again. With Fall comes the time of year when hunters wearing blaze orange enter the woods, sending wildlife scurrying out onto the road and, more than likely, into the grill of an unsuspecting driver. The issue? We should all be expecting this to happen, especially now.

Why Fall Makes Collisions More Likely

You see, October through December is Michigan's peak "Bambi-Blitz" season. While you have important places to be, the state's deer are either looking for romance or doing their best to stay out of a hunter's crosshairs; either way, body shops are celebrating their Super Bowl season.

Before we reveal where Michigan fell in the latest ranking of States You're Most Likely to Hit an Animal, it's good to remember that wildlife in the Mitten don't have a vendetta against your car (though sometimes it feels like they do). The best way to avoid a buck suddenly bursting through your windshield and riding shotgun is to slow down. Your daily drive is not Michigan International Speedway, and you aren't qualifying for anything other than getting to your destination on time. Leave early to avoid being in a frantic rush.

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Also, remember that if you see one deer cross the road in front of you, chances are their spouse, cousin, uncle, child, and nephew are right behind them. Think of deer as kindergartners going to lunch; they never walk alone, and they're still learning to look both ways before crossing.

Michigan’s Rank Among States

So, where does Michigan rank among states where you’re most likely to hit an animal? Right behind West Virginia (#1) and Montana (#2). That's right, there are only two states where you have a better chance of ramming wildlife with your vehicle than in Michigan.

RELATED: The 5 Deadliest Roads in the State of Michigan

Odds in Michigan: 1 in 59

According to the latest data, Michiganders have a 1 in 59 chance of hitting an animal every time you hit the road, compared to West Virginia's 1 in 40 and Montana's 1 in 54 chance. Rounding out the top 5 were Pennsylvania (#4, 1 in 61 chance) and Wisconsin (#5, 1 in 63 chance).