Michigan ranks 2nd in deer/car collisions

KALAMAZOO (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Drivers and deer in West Michigan have collided for years.

Michigan ranks second in these types of collisions and your chances of hitting a deer increased three percent last year.

The cost of repairing cars went up too. A little more than three drivers a day hit a deer in the state.

We went to State Farm Insurance and asked if drivers are prepared, and are they protected?

The agency processed 96,000 claims in 2006. Repairs can be costly, on average 3,000 dollars.

Your chances of hitting a deer are one in 86 and this is the time of year we're seeing more deer on the roads.

Between September and December is the worst time for collisions.

In general collisions are covered under your insurance policy, but there are ways you can avoid them.

"Awareness is the key. Be aware, especially at night when you're driving, they like to come at dusk between six and nine. Use your high beams and when there's one, there's more. Usually, they travel in herds," said Angie Rincok of State Farm Insurance.

Here's what you should not do: Don't swerve. If you hit a tree or another car, you're more likely to be injured and those repair costs can be very high.