CLEVELAND — Deer are in the midst of breeding season, which means there are more out and about than usual. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is urging drivers to remain cautious, as deer-vehicle collisions increase in October, November and December.

ODNR said breeding season may cause white-tailed deer to unexpectedly dart into roadways and move around more frequently at all hours of the day. 

ODNR officials gave these tips to help reduce the risk of a collision: 

• Keep focused on the roadway
  
• Slow down, but slow enough to not swerve out of your lane
• If you see one deer, it's likely more are around as they tend to travel in groups
  
• High beam headlines should be used with no oncoming traffic for better vision
• Watch for reflections of a deers's eyes
  
• Be extra vigilant at dawk and dusk
  
• Watch for deer where the road intersects fencerows, riparian corridors and forested habitats

If you hit a deer, ODNR said turn on your hazard lights and move the vehicle off of the roadway if possible. The collision should be reported to police, and also contact your insurance agency as soon as possible to report any vehicle damage.