Drivers, be aware of deer & moose during active autumn months
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are reminding drivers to be extra cautious in the autumn months as deer and moose become increasingly active.
“A chance encounter with a deer or moose is much more likely this time of year,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “There are steps you can take to decrease your risk so you can get safely to your destination.”
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton added, “Deer and moose are increasingly active this time of year and often cross roadways throughout the state. Deer and moose can be active any time of day but peak in movement patterns at dusk and dawn. Motorists should be especially cautious during these times and follow all important safety tips to avoid an accidental encounter with wildlife while driving.”
Last year, there were 32,287 crashes statewide involving deer and 7,616 crashes involving another animal according to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research. Those numbers spike in October, November and December with 4,050 deer struck in October 2024, 5,854 hit in November and 3,624 in December.
Here are the counties that saw the most crashes with deer in 2024:
Monroe – 1,431
Orange – 1,366
St. Lawrence – 1,266
Jefferson – 1,224
Ontario – 1,174
Erie – 1,001
Deer and moose activity increases during the breeding season in autumn. Deer and moose are commonly encountered by drivers during times of reduced visibility and heavier traffic: dawn and dusk. Due to their dark brown to black coloring and their height, moose are particularly difficult to see at night. Their heads and much of their bodies are above vehicle headlights.
There are between 1.1 million to 1.3 million white-tailed deer in New York State, and there are roughly 700 moose in the Adirondack region of the state, with a handful also along the Vermont and Massachusetts borders.
Here are some tips to avoid a collision with a deer or a moose:
• Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can suddenly bolt into the road or change direction at the last minute.
• If you see a deer cross the road, decrease speed. Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one deer, expect others to follow.
• Use your headlights to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road.
• When a deer or moose approaches the roadway
• Use added caution on roadways marked with “deer crossing” signs.
• Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced.
• If you encounter an animal in the roadway, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a collision with another vehicle, tree, pole or other objects.
If an animal is hit, motorists are advised to stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer or moose may use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to cause harm.
Other tips when you strike or encounter an animal include:
• Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road and turn on hazard lights. If leaving the vehicle, stay off the road and out of the way of oncoming vehicles. If a collision occurs at dusk or dawn, be advised that traffic visibility is reduced.
• Call the police. Alert authorities if the animal is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers. If the collision results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, fill out an official crash report and send it to DMV.
• Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won’t latch and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow truck.
