DMV warns about increased deer, moose fall activity

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) warned drivers about the increased activity of deer and moose during the fall season. These animals are more likely to cross roads, bridges, and highways during breeding seasons.

The DMV says deer and moose are most active at dawn and dusk when visibility is reduced and traffic may be heavier. According to the DMV, there are about 700 moose in the Adirondack region with some along the Vermont and Massachusetts border while there are estimated to be between 1.1 million and 1.3 million white-tailed deer in the state.

Reports from the University at Albany's Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research say there were over 31,000 crashes with a deer in the state in 2023 with five being fatal. The research says an additional 7,328 crashes with other animals were recorded.

Of those crashes, 12,195 with deer happened in the fall with the largest amount being in November. 2,485 crashes with other animals were in the same time period.

The DMV gave the following tips for avoiding crashes with deer and moose:

• Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can "bolt" or change direction at the last minute;
• If you see a deer cross the road, decrease speed. Deer often travel in groups, so expect other deer to follow;
• Use your headlights to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road;
• When a deer or moose approaches the roadway ahead, honk the car horn to discourage them from entering the roadway;
• Use added caution on roadways marked with ‘deer crossing’ signs;
• Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced;
• If you encounter an animal in the roadway, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a collision with another vehicle, tree, pole, or other objects.
• Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road and turn on hazard lights. If leaving the vehicle, stay off the road and out of the way of oncoming vehicles. If a collision occurs at dusk or dawn, be advised that traffic visibility is reduced.
• Call the police. Alert authorities if the animal is blocking traffic and creating a threat to other drivers. If the collision results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, fill out an official crash report and send it to DMV.
• Don't assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won't latch, and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow truck.