Drivers Beware: Deer Season Is Back In Middlesex County

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — As the days get shorter and colder, humans might retreat inside but deer certainly won't: You'll see more deer now than any other time of the year, animal experts say. Bambi-cuteness aside, drivers should exercise caution while driving around the dangerous animal.

Peek deer season in New Jersey runs from late October into mid December, and during that time deer are the cause of a big chunk of the state's accidents.

“This is typically when we see an increase in car crashes involving deer,” said South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau Sergeant Gary Holsten. “The deer can unexpectedly dart onto roads so motorists need to use extra caution."

1 in 250 motorists will hit a deer in New Jersey this season, according to State Farm. In South Brunswick alone, deer caused 35 crashes in just one month in 2014.

Deer are most active during very early morning and sunset hours, when visibility is already low. Following Daylight Savings Time, the shift in sunlight will cause commutes to overlap with deer's active times.

The South Brunswick Police Department has eight tips all drivers should remember going into deer season:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 are likely in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file.
4. Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
8. Obey the state’s hands-free device law. Better yet, avoid any distractions by refraining from using cellular devices while driving.

Image via Peter Pearson, flickr.