KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Hunting season has just begun, now is as good a time as ever to freshen up on travel safety tips. With over 260 deer-collisions happening so far this year, the citizens of Kosciusko County needs to prepare themselves to face the beast every time they get in their car.

“We see deer all year round, but once October starts, we see it much more,” said Officer Chad Hill from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

“Deer are a pack animal, and if you see one, there are usually at least three or four more hiding somewhere,” Hill advised. “They love to hide in corn, and especially during mating season, you have to watch out for them chasing each other.”

The Sheriff’s department has even had collisions with deer themselves, as three to five of their cars hit deer every year. Last year, there were 414 collisions with four injuries in Kosciusko County. In 2013 there were 455 collisions resulting in seven injuries, and 2011 there were two fatalities out of 476 accidents.

Deer-vehicle accidents can be avoided by practicing defensive driving, and according to Patrick Mayer of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Nearly 50 percent of all vehicle accidents involving white-tailed deer occur between October and December.

According to Mayer, drivers should pay attention to traffic signs warning of deer crossings. Deer crossing signs have proven effective at notifying motorists of areas where caution should be exercised, but drivers tend to get accustomed to such signage, reducing their effectiveness over time.

Most of all, if you hit a deer, do not panic.

“Although gentle in nature, deer that are injured or stressed can be extremely dangerous,” Mayer said. “They have sharp hooves and a powerful kick. Do not approach the animal unless you are positive it has expired.”

Mayer said that deer can be found anywhere, including in urban settings, so drivers should be on the lookout no matter where they are. Motorist also should exercise increased vigilance at night.

Here is a list, provided by the DNR, of some practical safety tips for driving:

• Deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.
• Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, another is likely nearby.
• Be especially careful in areas where you have seen deer before.
• Use high beams when there is no opposing traffic; scan for deer’s illuminated eyes or dark silhouettes along the side of the road.
• If you see a deer, slow your speed drastically, even if it is far away.
• Exercise extreme caution along woodlot edges, at hills, or blind turns.
• Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer; most serious crashes occur when drivers try to miss a deer but hit something else.