Horny deer are turning New York roads into a minefield.
Deer mating season kicks into overdrive in the fall and that means they’re on the move across Empire State’s highways and byways — causing an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 vehicle collisions each year, according to the New York State Department of Transportation, which launched a new ad campaign to spread awareness.
“Deer don’t check traffic. They don’t use crosswalks and apparently their friends give awful advice,” the NYDOT said.
Roughly 40% to 43% of these crashes take place from October through December during the peak deer breeding season.
But hitting a deer at speeds of up to 60 mph can be deadly. Such crashes kill roughly five people every season.
An adult male white-tailed deer — the most common in New York state — typically weighs between 150 and 300 pounds, while bigger bucks can top 350 and sometimes reach 400 pounds.
There are about 900,000 deer across New York. The NYDOT offers these safety tips:
- Scan roads and roadsides ahead at dusk or dawn, when they are most likely to come out.
- Reduce your speed at night and use high beams when possible.
- Be sure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts and children are strapped into child seats.
- Slow down when approaching deer or moose standing near the roadside as they may bolt into the road.
- Be alert and use caution when traveling through frequent deer crossing areas, which are usually marked with “leaping stag” signs.
- If a deer does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or a fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole.
- If you do hit a deer, pull your vehicle to the shoulder away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights, stay buckled up and remain inside. Never go near an injured deer as they are unpredictable and dangerous. Dial 911 if someone is hurt.
