OH DEER: Drivers warned to drive with extra caution amidst peak car v. deer crash season

It’s getting to be peak rut season here in the North Country and authorities are urging motorists to drive with extra caution, especially during first light and dusk, when deer tend to be most active.

“Knowing what to do when you encounter a deer or moose on or near the road can significantly decrease your likelihood of a crash,” New York DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said.

If a deer or any animal enters the roadway in-front of your vehicle, officials suggest hitting the brake firmly, but do not swerve as you may collide with another vehicle and/or object alongside the road.

Furthermore, if you see a deer in or near the roadway, expect to see more, as they often tend to move in groups.

Here are some tips to avoid a collision with a deer or a moose:

1. Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can "bolt" or change direction at the last minute;
2. If you see a deer cross the road, decrease speed. Deer often travel in groups, so expect other deer to follow;
3. Use your headlights to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road;
4. When a deer or moose approaches the roadway ahead, honk the car horn to discourage them from entering the roadway;
5. Use added caution on roadways marked with ‘deer crossing’ signs;
6. Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced;
7. 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 object.
8. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Last-year, there were over 31,000 reported car v. deer collisions statewide, according to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research.

Furthermore, there were over 7,300 others with another animal. Of those crashes, officials say over 12,000 of them occurred between October and December.

NYS DEC image.