Drivers are being reminded by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the mating season for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is limited during peak commuting hours.
Deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways this time of year, also known as the fall rut, as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk for drivers to stop suddenly or be involved in collisions. Deer activity is more likely to occur during early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility may be limited and more motorists are commuting.
“Deer are involved in thousands of collisions with motor vehicles in New Jersey every year, most of which occur during the fall mating season,”New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden said. “We urge all drivers to be especially alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting onto roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves, their passengers or others.”
Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December.
Awareness will become even more important when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 6. This means many commutes will align with the time deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving. Reduced lighting as well as sun glare makes it very difficult for drivers to see deer about to cross roadways.
These tips can help drivers stay safe during peak periods of the annual fall rut:
- Slow down if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
- Watch for “Deer Crossing” Drive slower when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.
- Use high beams during dark periods if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, assume others may be in the area.
- Never tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
- Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, following the speed limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
- Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable; a deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
- Report any deer-vehicle collision to local law enforcement forthwith.
- Obey the state’s hands-free device law or fully refrain from using mobile devices while driving.
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, a place where he has served on and off since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on Facebook Live, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to West Hudson to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.