More deer-related crashes expected in Michigan this year

(WXYZ) - According to a study conducted by State Farm, November is the worst month for deer-related crashes.

Michigan has the fourth highest number of crashes caused by deer, according to the study. West Virginia is first.

In Michigan, the odds of hitting a deer in 2012 is 1 in 72. In 2011, the odds were 1 in 83, according to the study.

Some counties are more prone to deer-related crashes than others, State Farm says.

Kent County had the highest number of deer-related crashes last year. Oakland County was second, followed by Jackson County.

According to the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition, there were 53,592 accidents caused by deer last year. Eight people died from their injuries.

Deer-related crashes are not only dangerous, they can also be expensive.

State Farm estimates the cost to repair a car that was involved in a deer-related crash has increased by 4.4% from 2011 to an average of $3,305.

Experts say the most serious accidents occur when a driver is trying to avoid hitting a deer, so swerving may not be the best option.

You should also be on high alert when driving between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., because that's when deer tend to be the most active, experts say.