Drivers, be aware deer & moose more active during autumn

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are encouraging drivers to be extra cautious about encounters with deer and moose this time of year. The animals are increasingly active during autumn.

“Hitting a deer or moose can do great damage to your vehicle and could cause injury,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “Drivers should be aware of these animals’ increased activity and be especially cognizant at dawn and dusk when they are more likely to be moving about on roads and less visible.”

“New York’s healthy deer population reflects our state’s rich natural resources but as fall brings increased wildlife movement during breeding season, motorists should be especially vigilant on the roadways,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “We encourage drivers to slow down, watch for wildlife along roadsides and remember that where there is one deer, there may be more. Taking these precautions can help protect motorists and keep New York’s wildlife thriving.”

There are between 1.3 million to 1.6 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.

In 2024, the last year for which there is complete data, 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 that November and 3,624 that December.

Autumn is breeding season for deer and moose, which results in more activity.

Drivers often encounter the animals during times of reduced visibility and heavier traffic: dawn and dusk. Moose are particularly difficult to see at night due to their dark coloring and the fact their heads and much of their bodies are above vehicle headlights.

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 ahead, honk the car horn to discourage them from entering 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 drivers do hit a deer or moose, they 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.