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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Indiana
More than 15,000 deer-vehicle collisions are reported to the Indiana Department of Transportation each year, the Indiana DNR says, and collisions are most likely from September through December, particularly October and November during deer mating season. Here is when collisions are most likely, how to lower your risk, and the four steps to take if you hit a deer, for drivers around Michigan City.
15,000+deer-vehicle collisions reported to INDOT each year (Indiana DNR)
$104.5Mestimated vehicle damage from reported collisions in 2024 (Indiana DNR)
Oct-Novpeak months for deer-vehicle collisions, during mating season (Indiana DNR)
$1,000property damage that makes a crash reportable (ISP)
The short answer
If you hit a deer in Indiana, move your vehicle to a safe place on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and call the police. Do not approach the deer, alive or dead. If you want to keep or donate it, get a permit from an officer or DNR staff, and follow the responding officer's instructions. Never swerve to miss a deer.
When deer-vehicle collisions happen in Indiana
Deer movements are not random, the Indiana DNR says. Collisions are generally most likely:
At dawn and dusk
When deer are most active, which is also when many people commute.
September through December
Particularly October and November, during deer mating season, when bucks cross roads more often and less cautiously.
Where deer are dense
In suburbs and where hunting is prohibited, such as state and national parks, nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
Where fields meet forest
Where roads divide agricultural fields and forestland, because deer cross to forage for food.
In bad road conditions
Deer may be hard to see or avoid in fog, rain or ice. Allow as much stopping time as possible.
From the Indiana DNR, "Deer Vehicle Collisions," read October 28, 2026.
How to lower your risk
Tips from the Indiana DNR and the Indiana State Police:
Never swerve
Braking and hitting the deer is safer than swerving off the road or into oncoming traffic (DNR). Drivers who panic and swerve often lose control and hit fixed objects such as a utility pole or tree (ISP).
One deer means more
Deer often follow each other, so slow down and look for others along the side of the road.
Use high beams
Use your high beams at night, when you can, to illuminate deer eyes, and remember deer could be standing on or near the side of the road.
Slow down and use the horn
If a deer is on or near the road, slow down and blow your horn continuously to scare it away.
Skip the gadgets
Do not rely on deer whistles. The DNR says whistles, fences and reflectors are ineffective at deterring deer.
Drive by the rules
Wear a seatbelt, observe posted speed limits and do not follow other cars too closely.
From the Indiana DNR, "Deer Vehicle Collisions," and the Indiana State Police, "Deer-Vehicle Crashes," read October 28, 2026.
What to do if you hit a deer
The Indiana DNR's four steps:
1. Get safe
Move your vehicle to a safe place on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Call police
Do not approach the deer, alive or dead. Wounded deer are unpredictable and can be dangerous, and a deer can survive a direct collision and appear dead when it is not.
3. Keep or donate the deer
A permit is needed to keep the deer or donate it to the Hunt for Hunger program (see below).
4. Follow the officer's instructions
As with any vehicle accident.
From the Indiana DNR, "Deer Vehicle Collisions" and "Deer-Vehicle Collisions and YOU," read October 28, 2026. The Indiana State Police adds: remain in your car, make sure you and your passengers are safe, and do not touch the deer.
Reporting a deer crash
Motorists must report any crash where there is at least $1,000 in property damage or if someone is injured, the Indiana State Police says. After striking a deer, the ISP advises calling the police to obtain a crash report.
The Indiana DNR says each collision reported to INDOT resulted in $1,000 or more in vehicle damage, totaling an estimated $104.5 million in 2024.
From the Indiana State Police, "Deer-Vehicle Crashes," and the Indiana DNR, "Deer Vehicle Collisions," read October 28, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Keeping or donating the deer
A local or state police officer, DNR conservation officer, DNR district biologist or DNR property manager can issue a permit to keep the deer or donate it to the Hunt for Hunger program, the Indiana DNR says. It is illegal to sell wild deer meat in Indiana.
From the Indiana DNR, "Deer Vehicle Collisions," read October 28, 2026.
Keep your headlights, tires and brakes ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so working lights, good tires and brakes help you react in time. The Works is a general vehicle checkup you can book any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 28, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Hitting a deer in Indiana: FAQ
When are deer-vehicle collisions most likely in Indiana?
The Indiana DNR says they are most likely at dawn and dusk, from September through December and particularly in October and November during deer mating season, in suburbs and areas where hunting is prohibited, where roads divide farm fields and forest, and when roads are foggy, wet or icy.
Should I swerve to avoid a deer?
No. The Indiana DNR says never swerve to avoid hitting a deer: braking and hitting the deer is safer than swerving off the road or into oncoming traffic. The Indiana State Police says many drivers who panic and swerve lose control and hit fixed objects.
What should I do after hitting a deer in Indiana?
The Indiana DNR lists four steps: move your vehicle to a safe place on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights; call the police and do not approach the deer; get a permit if you want to keep or donate the deer; and follow the responding officer's instructions.
Do I have to report hitting a deer in Indiana?
The Indiana State Police says motorists must report any crash with at least $1,000 in property damage or in which someone is injured, and advises calling the police to obtain a crash report after striking a deer.
Can I keep a deer I hit in Indiana?
Yes, with a permit. The Indiana DNR says a local or state police officer, DNR conservation officer, DNR district biologist or DNR property manager can issue a permit to keep the deer or donate it to the Hunt for Hunger program. It is illegal to sell wild deer meat in Indiana.
Do deer whistles work?
The Indiana DNR says not to rely on novelties like deer whistles: whistles, fences and reflectors are ineffective at deterring deer.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection and Multi-Point Inspection, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Deer collision facts, prevention tips and after-crash steps are from the Indiana DNR Deer Vehicle Collisions page and PDF and the Indiana State Police Deer-Vehicle Crashes page, read October 28, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Fish and Wildlife: Deer Vehicle Collisions (when they happen, prevention, what to do), Indiana Department of Natural Resources, read October 28, 2026
- Deer-Vehicle Collisions and YOU (PDF), Indiana Department of Natural Resources, read October 28, 2026
- Deer-Vehicle Crashes (driving techniques, crash reporting), Indiana State Police, read October 28, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 28, 2026