Just this morning on my way to work I saw 3 deer hanging out on the side of the Garden State Parkway, which just so happens to be the #1 road at the Shore for car vs. deer accidents.

You've probably seen the signs on the Parkway in the past alerting drivers to be especially alert as we head into the time of year that is especially dangerous, with deer mating season beginning.

My colleague Matt Ryan over at our sister station 94.3 The Point singled out the 5 worst roads in Ocean County for deer accidents.

With wilderness stretching across Ocean County both north to south and east to west, these hot spots for collisions aren't surprising:

Jackson - Interstate 195

195 is heavy woods pretty much all the way from the Parkway interchange on the eastern end to the Turnpike interchange to the west, but the stretch through Jackson tops the list with 85 accidents.

Eagleswood - Route 9

As we dive into the depths of the Pine Barrens in southern Ocean County, the chances of hitting a deer go up. #2 on the list saw two dozen crashes during the survey period.

Lacey Township - Lacey Road

The stretch of Lacey Road from the Parkway to Route 9 tied for 3rd place with 12 accidents.

Jackson - Route 571 at Lakehurst Avenue

When a specific intersection is singled out, you know it's a place that you need to keep your eyes open. Another 12 hits happened in this heart of the Pine Barrens spot.

Toms River - Route 37 at Bimini Drive

This one surprised me. It's not a spot that's particularly wooded, it's pretty much straight up suburban, but 11 accidents puts it on the list.

So, what can you do to avoid hitting a deer?

Well, you pretty much just have to stay alert. Experts say that swerving to avoid hitting a deer could actually be worse on a busy road by triggering a multi-car crash.

The good news, though, is the fact that New Jersey isn't the worst place in the country for deer collisions.

We're no Hawaii, where you have a 1 in 18,955 chance of hitting a deer, but at least we're not West Virginia, where you have a 1 in 41 chance of a wreck thanks to a deer.

New Jersey drivers have a 1 in 250 chance of such an encounter.

Be safe out there, everyone!