NJDEP | News Release | DEP, NJDOT Warn Motorists to Drive with Extra Caution as Deer Activity Increases, Daylight Decreases Due to Earlier Twilight

TRENTON – Drivers are reminded to be extra vigilant on the roads this fall as mating season for white-tailed deer begins and daylight is limited during peak travel hours, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced today.

Deer are more likely to suddenly enter the road this time of year, also known as the fall rut, as bucks do, increasing the risk of drivers stopping suddenly or being involved in crashes. Deer activity is most likely to occur during the early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility may be limited and more drivers are on their commutes.

“Deer are involved in thousands of motor vehicle collisions in New Jersey each year, most of which occur during the fall mating season.” New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden said. “We urge all drivers to be particularly alert to the possibility of deer suddenly striking the road, and to know how to reduce the risk of a collision and potentially serious injury to themselves, passengers or others .”

The 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 2am on Sunday, November 6. This means that many trips will then coincide with times when deer are most active and lighting conditions can be the most difficult to drive. Reduced lighting as well as glare from the sun can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the road.

These tips can help drivers stay safe during the annual fall peak periods:

• Slow down if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and not moving, wait for the deer to pass and the road clear. Do not try to drive around deer.
• Look for the “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive more slowly when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer, so that there is enough time to stop, if necessary.
• Use high beams during periods of darkness if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will reflect off the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see a deer, assume others may be in the area.
• Don’t close the back door. The driver ahead may have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
• Always wear your seat belt as required by law. Drive at a safe and reasonable speed, following the speed limit, taking into account the weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
• Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears imminent; a deer can suddenly counter-maneuver. Brake properly and stay in your lane. Crashes 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-car collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Obey state law on hands-free devices or refrain from using mobile devices while driving.

For general information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/white-tailed-deer/
For information about white-tailed deer seasons and regulations, visit https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/hunting/deer-season-and-regulations/

Like the NJ Fish & Wildlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife

Follow NJ Fish & Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife

Follow DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette on Twitter and Instagram @shawnlatur and follow DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP

Drivers are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

For NJDOT news, follow the Department on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT or on the NJDOT Facebook page.