Increased Risk of Crashes Comes During Animals' Most Active
Season
The New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) today reminded drivers to be aware
that deer and moose are most active and more likely to enter public
roadways this time of year, as they search for mates during their
breeding season, which is 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 percent of the crashes 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.
"Fall is the time of
year wildlife activity across New York State is most prevalent,
especially for deer or moose crossing roadways and creating the potential
for an accident," said
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Regardless
of where you live in New York State, motorists should be on the lookout
for wildlife that may cross their paths and follow key safety tips to
avoid animal encounters while on the road."
"Fall is a wonderful
time to drive around New York State to enjoy the beautiful colors as the
leaves change, but it is also a time to keep a careful watch for animals
in the roadway," said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the
Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. "You
should watch for deer-crossing signs and for animals at the side of the
road that may suddenly dart into traffic."
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. 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 or moose 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 or moose could use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to cause harm.
Other 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.
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, and their large size can result in significant damage
in the event of a vehicle collision. 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.
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