Avoiding Deer-Vehicle Collisions - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

As always at this time of the year, deer collisions with vehicles are on the rise. It's an especially important time to watch out for deer on the road since deer migration and mating season generally run from October through December.

North Dakota Game and Fish Biologist Doug Leier says one reason for the increase in accidents is because of the animal's biology, they are more active this time of the year especially during dusk and dawn.

Some other reasons the deer are more apt to cross the road during the fall, is increased farm activity and field work, ditching, burning slews, and hunting.

Even though the deer gun season doesn't open for a couple weeks, hunters are out looking for pheasant, duck and goose and that helps generate deer movement.

If you see a deer, Leier says it is very likely there are more close by. Deer travel in packs and there have been an increase in births of deer twins over the last year.

If you are driving and see a deer in the middle of the road, and can't avoid hitting it the North Dakota Game and Fish Department gives this advice:

• Don't swerve
• Wear your seat belt
• Slow down and honk your horn
• Remember: Deer whistles don't work

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the number of claims are up almost 8% over the last four years. According to State Farm, an estimated 1.23 million deer-vehicle collisions occurred across the country from July 2011 through June of this year.