As deer mating season begins, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is warning drivers to be alert on the roadways. Throughout Ohio, over 17,000 deer-vehicle crashes were reported statewide last year, according to OSHP. Those crashes resulted in three deaths and 857 injuries. Ohio state troopers believe the number of crashes is probably much higher due to several going unreported If you do happen to collide with a deer, authorities say it’s best to avoid making contact with the animal in case it becomes frightened or aggressive due to its injuries.