LANSING – Reported deer/vehicle crashes in Michigan declined in 2012 to 48,918 from the 53,592 crashes reported in 2011, although many crashes go unreported. Officials say actual crash numbers are much higher.

The reported crashes also declined in the Upper Peninsula from 4,799 in 2011 to 4,558 in 2012.

There were 613 deer crashes in Delta County in 2012, the most in the U.P. That’s down from 738 in 2011. Eight counties in the U.P. saw fewer deer/vehicle accidents in 2012.

“Most injuries and deaths occur when motorists veer to avoid the deer,” said Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) Chair Lori Conarton, who represents the Insurance Institute of Michigan. “So when a deer crash is unavoidable, it is important to have your hands on the steering wheel, slow down and stay in your own lane.”

October and November are considered the two most dangerous months for deer/vehicle crashes. Eight deaths resulted last year from deer/vehicle accidents and 1,329 injuries.

The reported numbers for the U.P. were: