Motorists are being reminded to be aware of deer on the roadways as we enter their most active season.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Motor Vehicles said deer are most active and more likely to enter public roadways this time of year as they search for mates during their breeding season, which are the months of October, November and December.
According to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, in 2022, 41.5% of the crashes between deer and vehicles occurred during this three-month span.
Motorists should be aware animals are especially active at dawn and dusk, when visibility may be reduced and commuter traffic may be heavy.
The DEC recommends motorists take these precautions to reduce the chance of hitting a deer:
– Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can “bolt” or change direction at the last minute;
– If you see a deer go across the road, decrease speed. Deer often travel in groups, so expect other deer to follow;
– Use emergency lights or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road;
– When a deer is seen approaching the roadway ahead, honk your car horn to help them avoid entering the roadway;
– Use added caution on roadways marked with deer crossing signs; and
– Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced.
– If encountering an animal on the roadway, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a collision with another vehicle, a tree, a pole or other objects. If an animal is hit, DEC advises motorists to stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer could use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to cause harm.
The DEC offeres these tips for if you strike or encounter an animal:
– Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road, and turn on hazard lights. If leaving the vehicle, stay off the road and out of the way of any oncoming vehicles. If a collision occurs at dusk or dawn, please remember traffic visibility could be reduced.
– Call the police. Alert authorities if the animal is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers. If the collision results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, you must fill out an official crash report (PDF) and send it to DMV.
– Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won’t latch and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow truck.
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