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Dear drivers: Watch out for flitting deer and other hazards

“That’s a nice car,” says a photographed buck on a state Department of Transportation Facebook page. “Be a shame if I ... ran into it.”

The agency warns drivers to watch out for deer on roadways this October through December.

“The deer are feeling a little frisky this time of year, so it's important to keep an eye out for increased activity, especially at dawn and dusk,” a post on the page says. “And remember, deer travel in packs, so if there's one, there's bound to be more.”

It also adds that people should maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, slowing down and driving cautiously wherever deer crossing signs stand.

Drivers should stay on their guard most during morning and early evening hours, when wildlife is most active. This means keeping headlights on at twilight and under other conditions, such as severe weather.

Wet leaves pose a hazard in their own right, making the road as slippery as ice, PennDOT says.

The agency recommends routine checks on headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure these are working properly, as well as maintenance of heating and wiper systems.

And especially in light of Wednesday morning’s snowfall, drivers should preserve enough tread on their tires so that they are prepared for early snow.

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