With the arrival of the fall breeding season, drivers are warned to use extra caution and to be alert for white-tailed deer.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife say deer may dart onto roads and cause accidents.
Motorists are urged to be especially attentive during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor. Deer are involved in thousands of collisions in New Jersey every year, with as many as half coming during the fall mating season, known as the rutting season. An adult male deer can weigh 150 pounds or more.
The peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October into mid December, beginning earliest in northern regions.
“At this time of year, deer can suddenly run onto any type of roadway, from busy highways to country roads,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. “A moment of inattentiveness behind the wheel at the wrong time can lead to serious consequences.”
Deer are most active in the very early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility can be difficult. This is when bucks are most actively pursuing does. Multiple deer may cross the road at any given moment, usually in a single file, and low levels of light and sun glare can make it very difficult to see deer that are about to cross the road.
Motorists are encouraged to alert the Department of Transportation of dead deer they find along the state highway system. Municipal and county governments are responsible for removal of dead deer from roads they maintain.
The following tips are offered to help motorists stay safe:
- If you spot a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer doesn’t move, don’t go around it. Wait for the deer to pass and the road is clear.
- Pay attention to “Deer Crossing” signs. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer.
- Use high beams after dark when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, others may be in the area. Deer typically move single-file in family groups at this time of year.
- Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
- Always wear a seatbelt and drive at a safe speed.
- If a collision appears inevitable, do not swerve to avoid impact. The deer may counter maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately, but stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
- Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
