RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — According to a study by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Virginia ranks ninth in the nation for deer-vehicle collisions.

Although West Virginia ranks number one in deer-vehicle collisions, Virginia falls eight places behind our neighboring state at nine.

These collisions are most common during November, October and December months, especially during dusk and dawn hours of 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. when deer are most active, per the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

The department says that deer whistles have not been proven effective when it comes to preventing collisions.

Here are some steps provided by the Virginia Department of Wildlife, that drivers can take if involved in a deer-vehicle related collision.

• Pull over, turn on hazards and shine the headlights onto the animal.
• Call 911
• Check passengers for injuries: even if there are no injuries shock can occur fast.
•  If it’s cold, put on warmer clothing immediately — shock or fear increases the inability to ward off cold
• Avoid going near the deer as it may kick out of fear or pain, and can severely injury you. The deer may also be in a state of shock and can panic if touched or moved by a human.
• If the deer is blocking the road: use your hazard lights and headlights and keep your car stationary. Only attempt to move the animal if you are 100% certain that it is dead.

For more safety tips you can visit the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s website.

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia State Police trooper was seriously injured when a patrol vehicle was struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 29 in Pittsylvania County Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. as two troopers were assisting a disabled tractor-trailer on the southbound side of the highway. An investigation revealed a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, driven by Raul Jesus Salas, collided with the rear patrol vehicle, which then struck one of the troopers and the second patrol vehicle, according to state police.

The injured trooper was transported by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The second trooper was not injured in the incident.

Both patrol vehicles had their emergency lights activated and were partially positioned in the right travel lane to protect the disabled tractor-trailer.

Raul Jesus Salas, 74, of Gretna, was charged with reckless driving following the accident. The incident remains under investigation by authorities.

ATLANTA – No. 13 Georgia Tech remains undefeated after beating Virginia Tech 35-20 at home on Saturday.

What we know:

Malachi Hosley rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown, while Haynes King added two scoring runs as the Yellow Jackets jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

The victory marks the first time Georgia Tech has opened a season 6-0 since 2011.

After the game, the team shared its locker room celebration on social media.

Dig deeper:

One concerning moment came late in the fourth quarter when cornerback Ahmari Harvey was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury with 3:51 remaining. There was no word on his condition at the time this article was written.

What’s next:

Georgia Tech will travel to Duke next Saturday.