Morris County Drivers Urged To Watch For Deer

LONG VALLEY, NJ — With the nights growing longer and deer mating season in full swing, motorists have to be more careful than ever to avoid deer while driving.

Deer are known to jump into roadways with no warning, sometimes in singe file lines. They're most likely to do this during early morning and sunset, when visibility is already reduced behind the wheel.

“Deer are involved in thousands of collisions with motor vehicles in New Jersey each year, with the highest number occurring during the fall mating season,” said Larry Herrighty, Division of Fish and Wildlife Director. “We strongly urge all motorists to be particularly alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting onto roadways and to be aware of some steps they can take to reduce the risk of serious injury to themselves or their passengers.”

The Division OF Fish and Wildlife shared these tips for drivers to avoid deer collisions:

• If you see a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesn’t move, don’t go around it. Wait for the deer to pass and the road is clear.
• Pay attention to “Deer Crossing” signs. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you will have ample time to stop if necessary.
• If you are traveling after dark, use high beams when 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, be on guard: others may be in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file.
• Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
• Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, accounting for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
• If a collision appears inevitable, do not swerve to avoid impact. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately, but 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 a local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Obey the state’s hands-free device law or, better yet, avoid any distractions by refraining from using cellular devices while driving.

Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images