The steady increase in North Dakota's deer population has been felt on bumpers and car hoods across the state. Car crashes inolving deer have increased 34 percent since 2000.

In 2007, there were 4,118 crashes in North Dakota that involved deer, with 43 people injured and two people killed.

The month of November typically has the highest number of deer crashes.

In 2007, there were nearly 31 per day in November. They occur most often between 7 and 8 a.m., and again from 6 to 10 p.m.

"The North Dakota Department of Transportation asks North Dakotans to be on the watch for wildlife when they are on the road this fall, and to always wear a seat belt," said Linda Butts, NDDOT deputy director of driver and vehicle services.

Other defensive driving tips when driving a car include:

1. Always wear a seat belt when driving. It is your greatest protection in an impact-related crash.

2. To better see deer, use high beam headlights when able.

3. Scan the ditches while you are driving. Slow down if you notice an animal's eyes in your line of vision.

4. Slow down and blow the horn with one long blast to scare deer away.

5. Brake firmly when a deer is spotted. Do not swerve because you are more likely to overcorrect and go into the ditch.

6. Be mindful of deer crossing zones.

7. Be alert in natural cover areas. Deer often will be found by streams, sloughs, rivers and shelterbelts that are near roadways.

8. Look for other deer if one crosses the road. They seldom run alone.

Motorcycle riders should be especially vigilant. So far this year, two of the 13 motorcycle-related deaths involved a deer.

According to Michael Jay of ABATE, defensive driving tips for motorcyclists include:

1. Increase your scanning time from 4 seconds to 12 seconds.

2. Increase your scanning not only forward, but also from side to side.

3. Adjust your speed accordingly, especially during dawn and dusk hours.

4. When you run into wildlife, brake first and then swerve.

5. Make sure your windshield is clean.

If a driver hits a deer, contact law enforcement to report the crash if the damage is more than $1,000.

Drivers should remove the deer from the roadway if it is a potential traffic hazard, and it is safe to do so.

If a driver is unable to move the deer, law enforcement will remove it from the road upon arrival.

If the driver is not reporting the deer crash to law enforcement, the NDDOT District Office may be contacted during business hours, or North Dakota State Radio at 800-472-2121 to remove the deer if it is a traffic hazard.