Environment DEC
From the November 2006 issue
Motorists Advised to Be Alert for Deer and Moose On and Near Roadways
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises motorists to be on the lookout for deer during the fall months. According to statistics compiled by DEC, the peak period for deer-vehicle collisions is October through December. It is estimated that there are more than 60,000 deer-vehicle collisions throughout the state each year. Nearly two-thirds of annual collisions happen during this three-month period, with most occurring between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. The highest incidence of deer-vehicle collisions occurs in November. This corresponds to the peak of the annual deer breeding cycle when deer are more active and less cautious in their movements.
Watch Out for Moose Too!
Fall is also the breeding season for moose in New York State. Moose are especially difficult to see at night because of their dark brown to black coloring, and, because of their height, their eyes do not typically reflect vehicle headlights.
Precautions You Can Take
DEC advises motorists to take the following precautions to prevent deer or moose-vehicle collisions:
Deer often travel in groups,
so be alert for others that
may be out of sight
- Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, especially through December and when visibility is poor.
- Slow down when deer or moose are standing near the roadside as they may bolt at the last minute, and often run into the road as a car approaches.
- Watch for more than one deer or moose crossing the road because they often travel in groups.
- Use flashers or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when deer or moose have been spotted near the road.
- Remain alert when traveling through deer or moose crossing areas, which usually are marked with road signs.
- Do not rely exclusively on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.
- Make sure all vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts and that young children are in child safety seats.
- Wear a helmet and be especially alert for deer when operating a motorcycle; motorcycle-deer crashes are increasing in New York State.
- Brake firmly but do not swerve if a deer runs in front of your vehicle. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to hit a fixed object such as a tree or pole.
What To Do If You Hit a Deer or Moose
A motorist who hits and kills a deer or moose should obtain a permit from the investigating officer at the scene of the accident before removing the animal. It is illegal to be given or possess a permit for a deer or moose hit within the chronic wasting disease (CWD) containment area. This area includes the following cities and towns in Oneida County: Rome, Sherrill, Utica, Annsville, Augusta, Floyd, Kirkland, Lee, Marcy, New Hartford, Trenton, Vernon, Verona, Vienna, Western, Westmoreland and Whitestown, and in Madison County: Lenox, Oneida and Stockbridge.
