NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Oh, deer!

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is advising motorists to watch out for deer entering roads during mating and hunting season.

The THP says an increase in deer-related crashes is likely from October through December. Deer are more likely to be on the move during mating season, especially during daybreak and dusk.

Statistics from the highway patrol show that there were 5,644 deer-related crashes in 2011, including 285 that involved injuries and two that were fatal.

Since 2007, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have increased 5.9 percent.

Motorists are advised to avoid swerving in efforts to miss approaching deer, because swerving could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic.