It’s official: Watch out for deer! (And moose!)
Deer have been busy lately: A motorcyclist was conscious but inured after hitting a deer in New Paltz on Wednesday. That same day, a Monroe man was hurt after striking a deer on the Thruway. Then, a 59-year-old suffered minor injures when he lost control after swerving to avoid a deer in Hurley, hit the deer anyway and flipped his car.
It’s official: Deer and moose become more active in November and December during breeding season and are more likely to enter public roadways.
“It is always wise to drive carefully in areas where deer and moose live, but fall is an especially important time to be alert to their presence,” the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation said. “Motorists should be aware that animals are especially active at dawn and dusk when visibility may be reduced and commuter traffic may be heavy.”
The DEC recommends these precautions motorists can take to reduce the chance of hitting a deer or moose:
Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can "bolt" or change direction at the last minute.
If you see a deer go across the road, decrease speed and be careful. Deer often travel in groups so expect other deer to follow.
Use emergency lights or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road.
When a deer or moose is seen approaching the roadway ahead, honk your car horn to help them avoid entering the roadway.
Use 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 on the roadway, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a collision with another vehicle, a tree, a pole, or other objects. If an animal is hit, DEC advises motorists to stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer or moose could use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to cause harm.
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