Motorists should be aware animals are especially active at dawn and dusk when visibility may be reduced and commuter traffic may be heavy. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation recommends motorists take these precautions to reduce the chance of hitting a deer:
• 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;
• Use caution on roadways marked with deer crossing signs; and
• Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced.
During the months of October, November, and December, it is breeding season for deer and the animals are more visible. According to the University at Albany's Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, 41 percent of the crashes in 2021 between deer and vehicles occurred during this three-month span.
Original source can be found here.
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