Community Corner

State: Watch Out for Deer on Roads During Mating Season

End of daylight savings time means more motorists may encounter deer as part of their daily commute

It's mating season for white tail deer in New Jersey, which means you'll be seeing more of them crossing your path on roads statewide in the coming weeks.

Motorists are most likely to come into contact with deer during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor and deer are more active, according to a statement from the Department of Environmental Protection.

"Drivers should be extra alert to avoid collisions that could result in injuries and damage to their vehicles, as deer movements related to breeding have begun and will pick up in the coming weeks," the statement said.

Motorists are being encouraged this year to alert the Department of Transportation of dead deer they find along the state highway system and deer crossing locations at a state website.

Triggered by shorter days and cooler weather, deer disperse and move around considerably as they search for mates, state officials said. Studies, they said, indicate the peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October, throughout November, and into mid-December in all regions of the state, beginning earliest in northern regions.

Motorists' schedules more closely align with deer movement since daylight savings time ended over the weekend.

State officials offered some tips to motorists in preventing deer strikes and what to do if a collision is inevitable:

  • 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 so you will have ample time to stop if necessary.
  • If you are traveling after dark, use high beams 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, be on guard: others may be in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file. Female deer are being chased by bucks and during breeding phase are often unaware of traffic.
  • Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
  • Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, taking into account weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
  • 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.
For more information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/deer.htm


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here