Here’s your annual reminder to watch out for darting deer as they’re on the move during mating season.

Deer crashes in Massachusetts jumped to a record high last year, according to AAA Northeast — which reported nearly 4,000 deer collisions in the Bay State.

Of the total 3,867 deer crashes last year, nearly 50% of the collisions (1,908) happened from October to December. This three-month period coincides with deer mating season, which is when deer are on the move and more aggressive than usual.

Because Northeast deer populations have grown dramatically over the past few decades, deer crashes have been steadily rising.

“Extra vigilance is required to anticipate and avoid a deer darting into the roadway, especially during evening hours,” said Mark Schieldrop, of AAA Northeast. “Deer are unpredictable and can appear in front of your vehicle suddenly and without warning.

“Remember, if you see one deer, there’s a good chance that more deer are nearby,” he added.

The 3,867 total deer crashes reported last year was the highest count since 2002, based on available crash data.

Deer crashes have more than tripled since 2002, when 1,104 total deer crashes were reported.

Crashes last year were most common near sunset (6-8 p.m. before the clock change, and 5-7 p.m. after the clock change), with 81% of deer crashes occurring outside daylight hours.

The top counties for deer crashes were Plymouth (332), Bristol/Worcester (322), Middlesex (252) and Essex (135).

The top towns for deer crashes were Westport (56), Middleboro (44), Swansea (34), Lakeville/Taunton (25), Plymouth/Uxbridge/Westford (24), Andover (23) and Freetown (22).

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AAA offers the following safety tips to help avoid deer crashes:

Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you; deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas next to the road.

Follow the speed limit; keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.

Be careful rounding curves and climbing hills where visibility is limited.

One long blast on your horn may frighten animals away from your car if you notice them early enough.

If you spy one deer, look out for others; deer rarely travel alone.

Use your high beams along dark roadways if there is no oncoming traffic.

If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and try to remain in your lane and avoid other vehicles; swerving sharply can cause an even more serious crash.

Wear your seat belt; your chances of being injured in a deer crash are significantly higher if you don’t have your seat belt on.