STEUBEN COUNTY -- It's dangerous, even deadly, and it can happen in a split second. In a span of just 14 hours this weekend, more than a dozen cars and trucks hit deer on the Indiana Toll Road.

And by Monday morning, another six crashes had happened, primarily east of the Howe exit in LaGrange County.

Toll Road officials say with deer migrating and mating season upon us, more deer are near area roads.

It's also the season where more drivers should be on guard because deer and auto collisions could cost you for repairs, injuries and possibly your life.

Taking a drive on the Indiana Toll Road, you'll find semi-trucks, trees, farms and deer carcasses.

"It's their mating season and the bucks are chasing the females," said Ron Payne with the Indiana Toll Road. "They jump the fence and come out here."

"The fall is a really busy time for us handling deer crashes," said Senior Trooper Tim McCormick.

Signs warning about deer near the roadways are posted along the Toll Road, showing drivers they share the road with the bucks.

"Between yesterday and today, they picked up 15 deer," said Payne. "From mile marker 124 to the Ohio line which is mile marker 157."

"Deer are looking for a browse area," said McCormick. "The perfect place is the nice mowed side of an interstate highway."

Both Indiana and Michigan rank among the nation's worst for collisions with the animal based on 2005/2006 statistics from State Farm. Michigan ranked number two in the country. Indiana rounded out the top 10, coming in at number nine.

Steuben County has Indiana's highest deer population and it is the state leader in the number of deer-car collisions. Officials say there are ways to reduce your chances of an accident, staying safe on the road.

"Slow down," said Payne.

Watching your speed and paying closer attention to the road reduces some of the risk.

"You should probably avoid trying to swerve to miss the deer," said McCormick.

McCormick said swerving is often a deadly mistake.

"You run into greater danger of veering off the road, losing control of your vehicle, striking a tree, or utility pole," said McCormick. "That leads to a potential for not only more damage to the vehicle but serious injuries or fatalities."

Toll Road officials add that deer carcasses are another road hazard. Toll Road workers say they respond within minutes of an accident to remove the animal and clear the roadways.