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THP urges drivers to watch for deer in the coming months

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is warning motorists about an increase of deer in the months of November and December.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is warning drivers about an increase of deer in November and December.

There is a increase in crashes involving deer in these months because of mating and hunting season.

From now to the end of the year, it is prime time for mating for deer which causes deer to be less aware of their surroundings and more likely to go straight into traffic.

Since Oct. 31, there have been 4,223 involved traffic crashes across the state. To see more statistics on deer related incidents, click here.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Highway Patrol suggest the following tips to prevent a incident:

- When you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow. Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit

- Be attentive and drive defensively constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk

- Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic causing a serious crash. Swerving can also confuse the deer as to where to run

- When you spot a deer, slow down immediately, proceed slowly when passing

- If you do collide with a deer, never approach the animal. They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human.

- Report any deer collision, even if the damage is minor.

- If an incident does occur call move your vehicle as far off the road as possible and dial *THP (*847)

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