To promote safer highways, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is reminding motorists to watch out for deer and other wildlife on roadways this fall and winter as state transportation officials issue the annual Antler Alert. Nearly half of all deer collisions occur during the last three months of the year.

The Transportation Cabinet offers these driving tips to help improve safety:

• Stay Aware: Be vigilant, especially in forested terrain, and during dusk and dawn when deer are most active
• Be Prepared: Always wear a seat belt (it's the law) and eliminate distractions (phones down).
• Headlights On: Keep them on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
• Foot off the Gas: Slow down immediately if you spot a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
• Don't Swerve: Trying to avoid a deer can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
• If There's a Crash: Keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.

Kentuckians should drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at sunrise and sunset when deer are most active. Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.