A recent study of deer crash statistics suggest deer crashes cost Michigan drivers $130 million per year.

The study by AAA says 14 people were killed in deer crashes in 2018, nine of those involving a motorcycle. More than 53,000 crashes involving deer were reported, 2,500 more than the year before. Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph Counties combined for more than 2,000 crashes, but finished outside of the top ten counties in the state.

The reports also shows that nearly half of the crashes in the state involving deer happen in the final three months of the year.

AAA also reminds drivers that if a crash is unavoidable, you should not swerve to miss the deer. Brake firmly, hold on to the steering wheel, stay in your lane, and bring the car to a controlled stop. Swerving can far more dangerous than hitting the animal.