The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is urging motorists to be extra cautious due to increased white-tailed deer activity near roadways with deer mating season underway. This increased activity aligns with morning and evening commutes when visibility can be difficult due to darkness or sun glare.
During mating season, also known as the fall rut, deer are more likely to be present near and on roadways as bucks attempt to court does.
“Collisions with deer pose a very serious safety threat and can cause significant damage to vehicles and possible loss of life,” said Dave Golden, Assistant Commissioner for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. “It’s especially important that drivers be extra vigilant to this threat and take time to know steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of collision.”
Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey typically continues from mid- to late-October to mid-December. Visibility issues become more pronounced when daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. The time change causes commutes to more closely align with increased periods of daily deer activity.
Drivers can practice extra caution by following these tips:
- Slow your vehicle if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is on the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
- Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive slower when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.
- Use high beams during dark periods if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicle ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads.
- If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.
- Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
- Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive safely and sensibly, following the speed limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
- Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable because a deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Apply brakes appropriately and 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.
- Obey the state’s hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.
For information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/
Information about white-tailed deer seasons and regulations is available at dep.nj.gov/njfw/hunting/deer-
Like the Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish & Wildlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
Follow NJDEP’s Fish & Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife
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