For Release: Monday, November 15, 2004

DEC Cautions Motorists about Roadway Deer Encounters

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today cautioned motorists to be on the lookout for deer as we enter the peak season for deer-vehicle collisions. It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 deer-vehicle collisions in New York State each year.

"The deer population is estimated at just under one million in New York State, and this is the time of year when drivers should be even more alert to the dangers deer pose on our roads," Commissioner Crotty said. "I encourage all motorists to follow DEC's precautions this fall and winter to help prevent accidents in our communities."

According to statistics compiled by DEC since 1985, the peak period for deer-vehicle collisions is October through December. The high incidence of deer-vehicle collisions in early November corresponds to the peak of the annual deer breeding cycle when deer are more active and less cautious in their movements. Nearly two-thirds of the annual collisions occur during this three-month period, with most of the collisions occurring between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

DEC strongly advises motorists to take the following precautions to prevent deer-vehicle collisions:

Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, especially from late fall through December and when visibility is poor;
Slow down when approaching deer standing near the roadside, as they may bolt at the last minute when a car comes closer, often sprinting onto the road;
If you see a deer cross the road, be alert for others that may follow;
Use flashers or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when you spot deer near the road; and
Be alert and use extreme caution when traveling through deer crossing areas, which are usually marked with road signs.

For motorists who have the misfortune of hitting and killing a deer with their vehicle, the New York State Environmental Conservation Law does allow for the motorist to keep the deer. To keep a deer carcass, a special permit is available from the investigating officer at the scene of the accident. Motorists should not remove a deer unless a permit is obtained first.

04-134