Watch out for deer.That’s the latest advice from Lawrence’s own Sandy Praeger, Kansas insurance commissioner, who has put out a list of defensive-driving suggestions for folks statewide.Chances for deer-vehicle accidents — “a frightening reality of driving on Kansas roads and highways this time of year” — are highest during the middle of fall and the middle of spring, she said. That’s when the most deer are visible on and alongside roads. Blame deer mating habits in the fall and plentiful plants in the spring.The Kansas Department of Transportation reports that the number of deer-vehicle accidents in 2007 hit 9,417, up 2.4 percent from a year earlier. The accidents left five people dead, up from three a year earlier, and 298 people injured, up from 291 in 2006.Statewide, according to KDOT, the accidents caused $61.3 million in damage.In Douglas County alone there were 195 deer-vehicle accidents last year, including 18 in Lawrence.”I urge Kansans to drive cautiously, especially around sunrise and sunset,” Praeger said.To that end, Praeger offers these driving tips:¢ Stay alert, always wear your seat belt and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions.¢ Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road.¢ Do not rely exclusively on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.¢ When driving at night, use high-beam headlights when there is no opposing traffic. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway.¢ Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious accidents occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit other vehicles or lose control of their cars. Potentially, you will risk less injury by hitting the deer.¢ If the deer stays on the road, stop on the shoulder, put on your hazard lights and wait for the deer to leave the roadway; do not try to go around the deer while it is on the road.¢ If you do hit a deer and are uncertain whether the animal is dead, keep your distance. You are dealing with an injured, wild animal with sharp hooves that can inflict serious bodily injury.¢ If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should immediately report the incident to the local law enforcement agency.Praeger also encourages Kansans to review the insurance policies on their vehicles, to see what kinds of coverages they offer for vehicle accident damage.”With the cost of repairs climbing every year, Kansans are smart consumers when they review their vehicle coverages on a regular basis,” she said.