This time of year it is not uncommon to see deer running beside Iowa’s highways. Field and Stream.com (http://www.fieldandstream.com/rut-report) shows deer in many parts of Iowa are currently in the “seeking and chasing” phase of the annual rut. That means more animals on the move and more danger to motorists, especially at dusk and dawn when it is more difficult to see animals along the roadsides.

There is little a driver can do about deer movement, but to reach the goal of zero fatalities on Iowa highways drivers need to be more aware of deer habits to reduce the risk of coming in contact with deer. As of Oct. 15, 2013, Iowa Department of Transportation data shows, 3,279 drivers reported collisions with deer so far in 2013. The crashes resulted in four motorist deaths and an estimated 172 injuries.

Since 2003, 70 people have died in Iowa as a result of motor vehicle crashes involving animals. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, each year nearly 200 fatalities nationwide are caused by deer-vehicle collisions.

If a deer runs into the path of your vehicle, not veering to avoid the animal greatly increases the chances of maintaining control of your vehicle. Most deer crash injuries and deaths result when drivers attempt to avoid the animal. This action often results in drivers losing control and colliding with other vehicles or running off the road. When a deer is in the path of your vehicle, the driver of a vehicle (other than a motorcycle) should: Brake firmly•Steer to maintain control.•Stop safely within the lane or along the shoulder of the highway.•Use a safety belt to reduce the chance of personal injury.

The following motor vehicle driver tips will reduce the risk of deer crashes...

•Slow down when you see a deer warning sign – pay greater attention.•Be especially careful driving at dawn and dusk.•Remember deer rutting season occurs in November and December, and deer are more mobile and less cautious.•Deer are more mobile during harvest and the hunting season.

Be most alert for the presence of deer at locations where three factors converge: •Food (corn fields or recently harvested corn fields).•Shelter (woods). •Water (streams, culverts and river crossings).

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

CARSON, Iowa (AP) — A western Iowa highway bridge is set to reopen to traffic this week after extensive repairs. State transportation officials say the U.S. Highway 59 bridge over Iowa Highway 92 in Carson will open with the completion of work necessary after the span was struck last fall by a truck hauling construction equipment. The crash damaged four bridge beams and required the closure of the bridge.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Tourism Office says people can vote on the department’s Facebook page for the photos to be on the cover of the state’s next travel guide. The photos were chosen from more than 600 submitted images. The guide is Iowa’s trip-planning publication. It lists more than 700 attractions, 750 hotels, 200 bed and breakfasts and 350 campgrounds.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Farmers finally caught up this week as favorable weather for harvest put them ahead of the normal for the first time this growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 75 percent of corn in Iowa is now harvested, 4 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Some corn has higher moisture content than desirable for storage and farmers are leaving it in the field to allow it to further dry.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Public Radio has named a new executive director several months after its last CEO was fired. The Board of Directors says Johnson will begin the job on Jan. 27 of next year. She was recently the executive director of the Boston Schoolyard Initiative in Massachusetts.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston Construction Office reports the U.S. 59 bridge over Iowa 92 in Carson will be reopened to traffic this week, weather permitting. The U.S. 59 bridge in Carson was struck last fall by a semi-truck hauling construction equipment. The bridge sustained damage on four beams and U.S. 59 was closed. An on-site detour was in place utilizing ramps to reroute traffic. Once the bridge is reopened, the roadway will be restored to the original operation which prohibits left-hand turns on Iowa 92.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.

For traveler information anytime, visit www.511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at www.iowadot.com/511/socialmedia.html); or download the free app to your mobile device.