LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Deer-vehicle collisions on Missouri highways typically increase in fall months when bucks become more active and weather turns colder.

More than 3,000 collisions with deer occurred last year on Missouri's highways, resulting in one fatality and 284 injuries. Although some accidents with deer are unavoidable, motorists can take extra precautions to reduce the chance of striking these agile but unpredictable animals.

First, be aware that deer are coming out of the wooded areas to reach clearings now. Bucks are seeking mates and aggressively establishing their territories, challenging other bucks. Does are leaving their maturing fawns, beginning the process of separation. And farmers are harvesting corn and beans, which drives deer from natural cover into open areas like highways.

Be prepared for deer to cross or dart into a road at any time, particularly around dusk and dawn. To increase your long-distance visibility, use your high beams if other cars aren't approaching. If you encounter a deer, sound your horn and slow down or stop until the animal passes. Swerving may only place you in the path of the veering animal - or another deer or two coming right behind the first. You may also lose control and cause more harm and damage than colliding with the deer.

Finally, remember to stay alert, slow down and buckle up. Most people injured in deer-vehicle collisions weren't wearing a seat belt.

If you should hit a deer, report the accident to your local sheriff's office, the Missouri Highway Patrol or municipal police. Don't approach an injured or frightened deer because their sharp, hard hooves can seriously injure or kill you. MoDOT's maintenance crews will remove dead animals as quickly as they can get to them.

For more information about other MoDOT projects, please visit MoDOT's Website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter or send questions and comments to kccommunityrelations@modot.mo.gov.