It's that time of year when deer seem to be running all over roads and car crashes seem imminent. 

Both the Ohio State Highway Patrol and PennDOT are sending out statements to help Ohioan's and Pennsylvanian's plan for trips this fall.

"Always avoid distractions and keep your full focus on the roadway," said Colonel Richard Fambro of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. "If you see a deer slow down, but do not swerve. If you strike a deer, move to a safe place if you are able, turn on your hazard lights, and report the crash."

Ohio State Highway Patrol  data shows that while 95% of deer-related crashes only resulted in property damage, 27 crashes resulted in fatal injuries to motorists, with 28 killed. Additionally, nearly half of those crashes occurred in October, November, and December.

For Ohio, there have been 2,287 crashes involving deer in Trumbull County since 2016. There were 1,762 accidents in Mahoning County and 8,723 crashes involving deer in Columbiana County during the same time frame.

Recent data estimates the average insurance claim for a deer-vehicle collision in Ohio is more than $4,000.

PennDOT data shows 5,581 deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania in 2020, resulting in 1,028 injuries and four deaths. Mercer County had 583 cashes involving deer with 111 of those crashes resulting in injury. In the six counties included in PennDOT's northwest region, there were 471 crashes and 89 total injuries last year. 

"It is important to always stay alert while driving, particularly in the months to come when deer are most active," said PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty. "Slowing down and eliminating distractions can help you react safely to deer crossing the road."

PennDOT says deer often travel in small herds and are most active between sunset and sunrise as they look for food. Drivers should be extra cautious during morning and evening commute times.

They recommend drivers slow down in areas with deer crossing signs