It’s late autumn, with night coming earlier and sunrise later.

It can put motorists on the road at dusk or before dawn, in darkness when deer are moving as well.

Add to that nearly 600,000 hunters out Monday for the start of the firearm deer season in Michigan and it’s not surprising that more than 43% of vehicle-deer crashes occur in Michigan from October through December, according to AAA Michigan.

Last year, five people in the state were killed in deer crashes, three in motor vehicles and two on motorcyclists. Another 1,400 people were injured in vehicle-deer crashes, according to AAA.

In Michigan, vehicle-deer crashes are expensive, causing at least $130 million in damage annually. The state has a 1.7-million-strong deer herd. Deer frequently travel in groups, so if one is seen crossing the road, more likely are nearby.

Michigan recorded 51,103 vehicle-deer crashes in 2020, down 5.8% from 54,254 during 2019, according to AAA Michigan. Oakland County had the most crashes with 1,854. The remaining top nine counties for deer collisions were Kent (1,712), Jackson (1,471), Ottawa (1,363), Lapeer (1,243), Allegan (1,242), Genesee (1,169), Clinton (1,131), Washtenaw (1,068) and Sanilac (1,064).

AAA offers these fall safety tips for avoiding deer collisions:

Motorists

— Stay awake, alert and sober;

— Always wear a seat belt;

— Be especially alert at dawn and dusk;

— If one deer is seen, slow down and watch for others; and

— If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve. Instead, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, stay in your lane and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

Motorcyclists

— Stay awake, alert and sober;

— Slow down and be alert for deer;

— Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time;

— Use high beam headlights and additional riding lights when possible; and

— Wear protective gear at all times.