This is the time of the year motorists must be even more alert, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

That's because the fall often brings the highest number of deer-vehicle crashes.

One drive on Ohio 32 would show why, as deer often can be seen standing on the side of the highway.

ODOT says the number of deer-vehicle crashes typically spikes each year from October to December.

There are about 1,500 such crashes each month from January to September.

But the number dramatically jumps to about 4,700 from October to December.

In 2006, there were a total of 28,227 deer-vehicle crashes, including 12 fatalities with 1,187 injuries.

Because many deer-vehicle collisions go unreported to authorities, the actual number of crashes throughout Ohio may be as high as 60,000 each year.

Ohio has eight million drivers, 121,000 miles of roadway and 600,000 deer, ODOT said.

ODOT advises motorists to use these driving tips to help avoid collisions with deer: