An eastbound vehicle swerved to avoid a deer on Peck Road. The Elk Township crash resulted in the vechicle landing in a drainage ditch and leaving a 68-year-old driver injured.

Evasive Maneuver on Peck Road Ends in Hospitalization

A 68-year-old woman from Croswell was injured Sunday afternoon in Elk Township, Michigan, after her vehicle left the road in an attempt to avoid a deer. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on May 18, 2025, on Peck Road near School Road, according to a news release from the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office.

Responding to a 911 call, Sanilac County Central Dispatch dispatched deputies to the scene. Their investigation found the woman was traveling eastbound in a 2022 Ford Explorer when a deer entered the roadway. The driver swerved, crossed the centerline, and left the north side of the road, where the vehicle entered a drainage ditch.

Authorities Rule Out Alcohol and Speed as Factors

Deputies reported no signs of alcohol or speeding in the crash. The woman, whose identity was not released, sustained injuries and was transported to McKenzie Hospital in Sandusky by Sanilac EMS.

Responders from Elk Township Fire Department and Sal’s Towing also assisted at the scene.

According to Lt. Ronald Edington, who released the statement on behalf of Undersheriff Nathan Smith, the investigation is ongoing, but no criminal activity or reckless behavior is suspected.

Deer-Related Collisions Continue to Impact Rural Michigan

This crash is a reminder of the prevalence of deer-vehicle collisions across rural areas of Michigan, particularly in spring and fall when animal activity peaks. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, over 50,000 deer-related vehicle crashes are reported annually in the state, with Sanilac County consistently ranking in the top tier for incidents due to its rural road network and deer population density [Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Annual Report].

Drivers are urged to remain alert, especially at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. Swerving to avoid a deer is discouraged, as it often leads to more severe accidents involving trees, ditches, or oncoming traffic.

First Responders from Elk Township Play Critical Role

The fast response by local emergency services helped ensure the driver received timely care. Sanilac EMS, Elk Township Fire, and Sal’s Towing worked together to secure the vehicle and assist the injured.

This incident highlights the essential role of rural fire and EMS departments across Michigan, which remain a critical part of the emergency response system in areas where state or county units may have longer response times.

Similar Crashes Are Common on Michigan’s Back Roads

Back roads like Peck Road in Sanilac County often lack guardrails, shoulders, or street lighting, increasing risk. These characteristics contribute to higher rates of run-off-road crashes, especially in areas with wildlife crossings.

A 2019 MDOT report indicated that single-vehicle accidents involving animal avoidance account for nearly 30% of rural injury crashes in Michigan’s eastern counties [Michigan Department of Transportation, Road Safety Report, 2019].

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