With deer mating season now underway, the NJTPA encourages motorists to drive extra carefully and stay on the alert for animals entering the roadway. While the number of reported deer-vehicle crashes in the region has declined steadily in recent years, the crashes remain a particular hazard in the state’s suburban and rural areas.

According to an analysis by the NJTPA, there were 35,860 animal-vehicle crashes in the 13-county NJTPA region from 2008 through 2013, including 5,520 last year (see table at right).

Although statewide data doesn’t distinguish between deer and other animal crashes, federal research indicates that roughly nine out of 10 vehicle-animal crashes involve deer. In addition, studies have shown that motorists only report as few as half of deer-vehicle crashes to authorities.

Deer crashes are highly seasonal, with half typically occurring between the months of October and December. Thirty-five percent of crashes in 2013 occurred in October and November (see chart below). In addition, three-quarters of crashes tend to occur between dusk and dawn.

The NJTPA analysis shows that Monmouth (914), Somerset (704) and Morris (611) counties saw the highest number of crashes involving animals last year (see county-by-county list at right). The more densely developed, urban counties of Hudson (19), Union (153) and Essex (161) reported the fewest incidents.

The NJTPA offers the following tips for drivers during the season:

• Always wear a seatbelt/motorcycle helmet.
• Stay alert and focused on the task of driving.
• Keep vehicle headlights clean and properly aligned.
• Use high beams at night when no vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction. Do not use fog lights in dry weather conditions, as these lights can blind oncoming motorists.
• If a crash in unavoidable, brake hard, hold on to the steering wheel, and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop; do not “veer for deer.”
• If you see a deer along the roadway, keep an eye out for others in the area.

Additional Resources

• NJTPA Deer Crash Safety Brochure
• 2005 NJTPA study: Strategies for Addressing Deer-Vehicle Crashes
• 2008 Federal Highway Administration report: Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Study
• Oct. 2014 News Release: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Urges Motorists to Be Extra Cautious with Deer Mating Season Underway