You're driving on a road at the end of the day, when all of a sudden you say "oh dear" as a giant head of antlers crashes into your front fender.

You possibly can avoid an accident with a buck by following some smart driving tips this fall and winter. Every year, 1.5 million drivers hit a deer, and the cold weather months are peak season for deer-vehicle crashes.

Deer crashes result in at least $1.1 billion a year in vehicle damage, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. On average, the collisions cost $2,800 per insurance claim, and up to $10,000 if there is injury to the driver or a passenger, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

The top states for deer-related accidents range throughout the country. The top 10 deer danger states are:

1. Pennsylvania

2. Michigan

3. Illinois

4. Ohio

5. Georgia

6. Virginia

7. Minnesota

8. Texas

9. Indiana

10. South Carolina

As migration and mating season hit full swing, the dangers rise, making October through December the most treacherous months on the road where deer are concerned.

Early morning and dusk are the worst times for deer accidents because visibility is limited and deer are frequently on the move. It is important to drive defensively and anticipate the potential for deer in the road so you can safely stop.

The auto experts at CARSTAR, who repair thousands of vehicles each year from deer-related accidents, offer the following tips to reduce the deer danger:

• Use extra caution at dawn and dusk, and around golf courses, fields and wooded areas.

• Remember that deer travel in packs. If you spot one, there are likely more behind it.

• Don't swerve to avoid striking a deer because that increases the risk of hitting another vehicle or losing control of your car.

• If there is no opposing traffic, use high beams at night to better illuminate deer.

• Don't rely on devices such as deer whistles, which are attached to the outside of a car, to try to scare off deer with an ultrasonic or high-frequency sound. They have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

• If a deer remains on the highway after you strike it, report the incident to the game commission or to police because the deer poses a danger to other motorists. If the deer might still be alive, don't go near it because a wild animal with sharp hooves can inflict injuries.

If an accident with a deer does occur, it pays to be protected with insurance. Many drivers don't realize that carrying only collision coverage does not cover damage from a deer accident, leaving them with a damaged vehicle and a large repair bill.

To fully cover any potential damage, drivers should carry comprehensive insurance that covers such crashes.

For those driving an older vehicle who feel their cars aren't worth the cost of the insurance, it's smart to keep a personal "accident fund" if something does occur.

This article was submitted by Randy and Bob's CARSTAR on Oneida Valley Road, Chicora.