According to a recent news release published by the Pennsylvania Gaming Commission, deer-vehicle collisions in Pennsylvania increase annually during the fall season due, in large part, to the fall breeding season. During the fall breeding season, deer tend to be moving around more than usual and they are not paying close attention to their surroundings as they may be preoccupied with finding a mate.

Here are some helpful tips for motorists to help avoid a dangerous collision with a deer:

• Deer frequently travel in family groups, the crossing of a single deer does not mean that it is safe to proceed as other deer may be following closely behind;

• The peak hours of deer activity are dawn and dusk, be sure to be extra alert during these times;

• Slow down whenever you see hikers or hunters near a road as this may flush deer from forested areas;

• Slow down whenever you are near farmers harvesting cornfields, many deer are flushed from fields as farm equipment approaches;

• Keep your eyes peeled for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road;

• Slow down where deer-crossing signs are posted, roads divide agricultural land from forestland and whenever you are in the vicinity of a forested area between dusk and dawn;

• Assume nothing- deer tend to act in unpredictable ways. They have been known to stop in the middle of the road, cross quickly and then re-cross back from where they came, or move towards an approaching vehicle; and,

• If you see a deer in the road, slow down and blow your horn. If the deer stays in the road just stop, do not try to drive around it.