Daylight saving time is this weekend, which means fall is coming to an end before winter gets here, along with it being peak deer season.
Once clocks change, morning and evening commutes will start happening more in the dark. Unfortunately with that comes more active deer.
This means drivers going to and from work will need to be more vigilant while watching the road.
Deer related car accidents increase in the state of New York when it’s darker out
According to My Twin Tiers, data released by AAA shows the top ten counties in New York with the highest rate of animal crashes.
Top ten highest animal crashes by county from highest to lowest
- Suffolk: 1,367
- Monroe: 1,358
- Orange: 1,356
- Oneida: 1,269
- St. Lawrence: 1,260
- Jefferson: 1,217
- Ontario: 1,196
- Erie: 1,008
- Onondaga: 972
- Livingston: 929
According to AAA of Western and Central New York Communications Specialist Valerie Puma, the biggest reason for these high numbers of accidents is the rural setting of these counties.
The major increase in accidents with deer during fall is directly linked to deer rutting seasons.
This means breeding season, which changes the behavior for male deer.
NYS DEC Wildlife Biologist Dr. Steve Herkins explained that male deer looking for female deer in time for fawn season results in the deer concentrating less.
You can stay safe by driving slower, scanning the roadway as you drive, and applying your brakes firmly while staying in your lane if you see deer.
Should you collide with an animal, pull over with your lights on and call the police.
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