The next two weeks are prime for deer-vehicle collisions. According to State Farm, an estimated 1.23 million deer-vehicle collisions occurred in the U.S. between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, causing more than $4 billion in vehicle damage.

This was up 4.4% due to the mild winter according to DeerCrash.org

Deer whistles and special reflectors do not keep all deer off the road. Deer are jerks and will always find a way to get in front of your car. The best strategy is to use your car as a weapon of “mass avoidance”.

Here are four tips to help you avoid hitting a deer:

-Have your brakes and ABS/ESC systems inspected. These systems can reduce crashes and damage. Having a 20-buck stepping in front of your vehicle is no time to find out you stopping distances were not what they once were.

–Service your headlights. If you can’t see something, you can’t react to it. All OEMs recommend having your headlights aimed annually. Also, better aftermarket bulbs can be purchased to extend a beam’s range and contrast. Light equals time to react!

-Brake hard and stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when a driver take drastic evasive action and either rolls the vehicle or leaves their lane and hits another vehicle. The average deer insurance claim is less than $4,000, a life is priceless.

-In the event your vehicle strikes a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you and further injure itself. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should call the police immediately.