People in the Mid-Atlantic region are used to seeing deer. Whether these creatures are grazing through a backyard – and maybe even wrecking some gardens in the process – or walking beside a quiet road, there's a good chance they make themselves known to you. This isn't normally a problem, but if you're behind the wheel of a car, things can get dicey. 

Here are three things you should know about deer – and how to avoid collisions with them. 

1. Deer are predictable 
Like most other living things, deer can be creatures of habit. They are most likely to move around at dawn and dusk, when visibility is not ideal. It is also more common to see them out and about in the fall. October, November and December are hunting and mating season, which means deer are frequently on the move and may be more likely to cross roads. 

"Periods of daily high-deer movement around dawn and dusk as well as seasonal behavior patterns, such as during the October-December breeding season, increase the risk for auto-deer collisions," said Ron Regan, the executive director for the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.

2. Location matters 
Drivers in certain states are more likely to have an encounter with deer than others. State Farm found that motorists in Pennsylvania, for example, have 1 in 71 odds of colliding with these creatures, which is second only to West Virginia. People in New York and New Jersey fared better, with odds of 1 in 154 and 1 in 225, respectively. 

Odds can vary dramatically within a state as well. A few areas are more likely to have deer present than others. Roads close to heavily wooded areas, recent construction or hunting grounds may have animals moving around in search of a new home, so drivers should be aware when maneuvering their vehicles in these regions. 

3. You have responsibilities 
It's up to you to do your part to stay safe on the roads. While many encounters with these animals will be outside of your control, there are some aspects of the incidents you do have power over. For example, make sure you are taking your car to a public garage for tuneups. Places like the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto can address any issues you may have – even those involving brakes, headlights and safety technology, which can be incredibly useful in preventing accidents.