GAYLORD, MI -- It’s that time of year again when more deer are out in the roads.

Last year, there were 10 deaths due to vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan.  All of them were motorcyclists.

In all, 60,000 vehicle-deer crashes happen every year.

In October, November, and December, the number of crashes greatly increases.

MDOT says accidents will happen but you can reduce your chance of being injured by remembering a few things.

"Both MDOT and Michigan Deer Crash Coalition use a slogan like this: "don't veer for deer."  Don't swerve, do not hit another car, do not go off the road, you might hit a tree, and sometimes, that unfortunately can lead to death.  The best thing if you see a deer out period is to slow down and if they cross the road at the time you're going by, hang on to the steering wheel as tight as you can and come to a controlled stop," said MDOT Spokesperson Bob Felt.

October has been proclaimed Michigan Vehicle-Deer Crash Safety Awareness Month by Governor Granholm.