DMV warns drivers that deer are active in fall
Nov. 6—The state Department of Motor Vehicles cautioned drivers Wednesday, Nov. 6 about the increased danger of hitting deer and moose this season.
The animals are more active during their breeding seasons and more likely to cross roads, bridges and highways, according to a DMV news release.
"It is always wise to drive carefully in areas where deer and moose live, but fall is an especially important time to be alert to their presence," DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. "Knowing what to do when you encounter a deer or moose on or near the road can significantly decrease your likelihood of a crash."
Deer and moose are especially active at dawn and dusk, times when visibility may be reduced and traffic may be heavier, the release stated. There are estimated to be between 1.1 million to 1.3 million white-tailed deer in New York state.
In 2023, there were 31,329 crashes with a deer in New York, five of them fatal, according to the University at Albany's Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research. There were an additional 7,328 crashes with other animals.
Of those crashes, 12,195 crashes with deer occurred in the fall months of October, November and December, with the largest number, 5,498, in November.
There were 2,485 crashes with other animals in the same three-month timeframe.
DMV offered tips to avoid a collision with a deer or a moose.
—Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can "bolt" or change direction at the last second.
—If you see a deer cross the road, decrease speed. Deer often travel in groups, so expect other deer to follow.
—Use your headlights to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road.
—When a deer or moose approaches the roadway ahead, honk the car horn to discourage them from entering the roadway.
—Use added caution on roadways marked with deer crossing signs.
—Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced.
—If you encounter an animal in the roadway, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a collision with another vehicle, tree, pole or other objects.
If an animal is hit, motorists are advised to stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer or moose may use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to cause harm.
Other tips when you strike or encounter an animal include:
—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 oncoming vehicles. If a collision occurs at dusk or dawn, be advised that traffic visibility is 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, fill out an official crash report 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.
