GALLIPOLIS — Area residents are reminded that the onset of the Autumn season not only brings about an influx of cold weather, but an increase in deer activity, especially after the sun goes down and at dawn.

Cooler weather, shorter daylight hours, deer mating season and the hunting season all help to increase their movement, which in turn results in more deer on Ohio roadways. Drivers are advised to stay alert and watch for deer-crossing warning signs to keep safe, especially at night.

Over the weekend, two Gallia County drivers and one Meigs County driver were involved in deer crashes, all along Ohio 7. Luckily, no human injuries were sustained, especially considering the driver in Meigs County hit a pack of four deer, killing two. The other two accidents resulted in as many deer killed.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the number of deer-vehicle crashes often increases by 200 percent from September to October. ODOT reported 24,582 total deer-vehicle crashes throughout the state in 2008, resulting in six deaths and 1,127 injuries. Nearly half of those accidents reportedly occurred between early October and late December.

An ODOT safety study reported 5,176 deer crashes during the month of November alone, totaling approximately 172 accidents per day across the state. In addition, many deer crashes go unreported and ODOT estimates the actual number of Ohio collisions could be as high as 60,000 per year.

ODOT offers motorists the following tips to avoid deer-vehicle crashes:

• Watch for deer-crossing signs and drive with extreme caution, especially in the posted areas.

• If you see one deer near the road, expect that others will follow.

• Watch for deer especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20 percent of these crashes occur in early morning, while more than half occur between 5 p.m. and midnight.

• Always wear safety belts and drive at safe, sensible speeds for road conditions.