It’s hard to believe it’s almost that time of year again when deer hunting and deer mating begin.

This time of year is a very fun time for many who enjoy the sport of deer hunting. What’s not to love? Hunters are in the middle of the woods watching the leaves changing into beautiful colors and seeing them fall to the ground, or in their stands watching a beautiful sunrise and the different species of wildlife starting their day.

We understand that deer hunting isn’t for everyone and certainly respect those who don’t just as much as those who do deer hunt.

It’s obviously just a choice.

While deer hunting is a lot of fun and brings excitement into many people’s lives, including young adults who are hunting for the first time ever, deer season can also be a dangerous time for motorists.

Each year, too many people are injured and a few are killed in crashes caused by deer trying to cross the road.

In Kentucky in 2015, there were 162 deer-related injuries and three fatalities. With the evenings getting somewhat cooler and days getting shorter going into fall, deer traditionally are on the move.

By being on the move and in rut, more and more deer are traveling at night and in the early morning hours meaning that motorists need to be extra careful while driving.

Some suggestions that we are offering to motorists are the following:

•Always wear a safety belt.

•Never swerve to miss a deer. Swerving can possibly cause a more serious crash.

•Slow down immediately when you see a deer as others could be following close behind.

•Watch your speeds on all roads, especially one’s in the country where deer are more populous.

•Drive defensively, especially at dusk and dawn.

•Keep headlights on bright at night as long as other cars aren’t approaching.

•Place deer sensors on your vehicle as these have the potential to send noises out that deer can pick up causing them to stay away from roadways. While not proven 100 percent effective, they are relatively cheap to purchase and could potentially help a person avoid serious injury or death.

We know that there will be wrecks related to deer on the roadways this fall. We wish there weren’t. But as the season is upon us, we just want to urge people to follow these recommendations on how to possibly avoid a collision with a deer on Kentucky’s roadways.

We are hopeful people will listen and be safe while driving during this time.