Donât become a statistic: Of New Yorkâs 65,000 annual deer-vehicle collisions, most occur October-December
The New York State Department of Transportation, aware of the greater potential for accidents involving deer or moose during autumn, wants to educate travelers on how to stay safe on our roads.
NYSDOT has worked with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the state Thruway Authority to ensure that roads have plenty of warning signs posted where moose and deer are known to travel. This is especially important from October through December during the animals' peak breeding times when they are far less cautious. The greatest risk for deer-vehicle collisions emerges during these months; most of them occur in the two hours before sunrise and after sunset each day.
With a statewide deer population of approximately 900,000, there are an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions that occur throughout New York State each year.
Fall is also the breeding season for moose in New York State. Recently, moose populations and moose-vehicle collisions have increased slightly in New York.
To avoid a collision with a deer or moose, drivers should reduce speed and watch for their presence on or near the highway. Here are more specific precautions to help prevent such accidents:
Use caution when driving at dawn or dusk and scan roads and roadsides ahead;
Reduce your speed at night and use high beams when possible;
Be sure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts and children are properly restrained in child safety seats;
Slow down when approaching deer or moose standing near the roadside, as they may suddenly bolt into the road;
Deer and moose often travel in pairs or groups, so if deer or moose are spotted crossing the road, slow down and be alert that others may follow;
Briefly use flashers or a headlight signal to warn approaching drivers when deer or moose are spotted in or near the highway;
Be especially alert and use caution when traveling through frequent deer or moose crossing areas, which are usually marked with âleaping stagâ or moose signs;
Do not rely on devices, such as deer whistles, extra lights or reflectors, to deter deer. Research has shown that your best defense is your own responsible behavior;
Motorcyclists should be especially alert for deer as motorcycle-deer collisions have a higher fatality rate; and
If a deer does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or potentially deadly fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole.
