Deer and Moose are Most Active During Fall Months, Posing
Increased Risk of Crashes
In 2021, 41 Percent of
Crashes Involving Vehicles and Deer Occurred in October, November, and December
The New York State Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded drivers
that deer and moose become more active and are more likely to enter
public roadways in the fall. During the months of October, November, and
December, it is breeding season for deer and the animals are more
visible. According to the University at Albany's Institute for Traffic Safety
Management and Research, 41 percent of the crashes in 2021 between deer
and vehicles occurred during this three-month span. Motorists should also
be on alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding
areas this time of year.
"New York's roadways are
as beautiful as ever during the fall months, but it's also when deer and
moose are more active so motorists must drive with extra caution to help
avoid a collision," said
Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic
Safety Committee. "Watch for deer-crossing
signs along roadways, as they indicate deer have been seen at that
location and have collided with cars there. Those signs are meant to warn
you to be extra cautious when driving through such locations."
"The fall season is a
peak time for wildlife activity across New York, especially for deer and
moose who can cross roadways and create the potential for an
accident," said
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Regardless
of where you live, all motorists should keep an eye out and be aware that
wildlife can cross their paths."
Motorists should be aware
animals are especially active at dawn and dusk when visibility may be reduced and commuter traffic may be heavy. DEC
recommends motorists take these precautions to reduce the chance of
hitting a deer or moose:
·
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 and be careful. 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;
·
Use 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 or moose could use its powerful legs and sharp
hooves to cause harm.
Other tips for if 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 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 (leaves
DEC website) 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.
Early fall is the breeding
season for moose in northern New York, and moose wander looking for
mates, leading them to areas where they are not typically seen. While
this improves the opportunities for people to enjoy moose sightings, it
also increases the danger of colliding with one on the roadway.
Moose are much larger and
taller than deer. Their large body causes greater damage, and, when
struck, their height often causes them to impact the windshield of a car
or pickup truck, not just the front of the vehicle. Moose are especially
difficult to see at night because of their dark brown to black coloring
and their height - which puts their head and much of their body above
vehicle headlights.
More information about moose and deer can
be found on DEC's website. Additionally, precautions
and safety tips about special driving conditions, such as driving in
rain, in winter, or in driving emergencies, can be found on DMV's website (leaves DEC
website).
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