N.J. Officials Warn Drivers To Stay Alert During Deer Breeding Season

With the arrival of the fall breeding season, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife issued an advisory last week reminding motorists to be alert for white-tailed deer, which may unexpectedly dart onto roads and cause accidents.

DEP officials said that deer are involved in thousands of collisions annually in New Jersey, with as many as half coming during the fall mating season, or rutting season, which peaks in November.

“Motorists are urged to be especially attentive and cautious during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor,” DEP officials stated.

An adult male deer can weigh 150 pounds or more – plenty heavy to cause damage to a motor vehicle, DEP officials said. Learn more about white-tailed deer in New Jersey here.

“People should always be alert for deer when driving, but especially at this time of year, when deer can suddenly run onto any roadway, from busy highways to country roads,” Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda stated. “One moment of inattentive driving can result in serious or even life-altering consequences.”

According to the DEP, during rutting season, deer are most active in the very early morning and around sunset, when bucks are most actively pursuing does and visibility conditions can become difficult.

“Using caution while driving will become even more important when Daylight Saving Time ends November 6, causing commutes to align with periods when deer are most active,” DEP officials stated. “For motorists, low levels of light and sun glare can make it very difficult to see deer that are about to cross the road."

Multiple deer usually cross the street in single file.

Peak rutting season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October, throughout November, and into mid-December in all areas of the state, beginning earliest in northern regions, officials stated.

Municipal and county governments are responsible for removal of dead deer from roads they maintain, DEP officials stated. Officials encourage motorists to inform the Department of Transportation about deceased deer they find along the state highway system online.

The following tips can help motorists stay safe during rutting season, DEP officials stated:

• If you see a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer 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. 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, considering 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.

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Photo: Craig Lemon / NJ DEP