Drivers Warned To Be On the Watch for Deer and Moose

• by New York State Department of Transportation

ALBANY, NY (10/27/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer today warned motorists to be on the lookout for deer and moose in and along roadways during the fall months.

"Deer and moose often wander out of the woods and into roadways, causing the potential for crashes that could result in serious harm or even death to motorists," Commissioner Glynn said. "Governor David Paterson and I urge drivers to take extra precautions during the fall months when these animals are more active and difficult to see."

DEC Commissioner Grannis said, "Our state has a very healthy deer and moose population that can be found both in rural and urban regions, and this time of year, these big animals are on the move. We encourage all New Yorkers to stay alert and follow the proven precautions that will help protect both their safety and the safety of their fellow drivers."

Thruway Authority Executive Director Fleischer said, "Motorists are encouraged to be watchful for deer as they travel along the Thruway, especially during this time of year, when vehicle-deer accidents are more frequent. Since vehicle-deer accidents can cause serious injury, it is extremely important that motorists remain aware of their surroundings and be on the lookout for deer, especially during dawn and dusk."

With a statewide deer population of approximately 800,000, it is estimated that 60,000 to 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur throughout the state each year. According to agency records, the peak period for deer-vehicle collisions in New York is October through December. This time period corresponds with the peak of the annual deer breeding cycle, when deer are more active and less cautious in their movements. Approximately two-thirds of the annual collisions occur during this three-month period, with most of the collisions occurring in the two hours prior to sunrise and after sunset.

Furthermore, moose are especially difficult to see at night because of their dark brown color. Additionally, due to their height, moose's eyes typically do not reflect oncoming headlight beams. New York's resident moose population is generally associated with the Adirondack region, but occasionally moose from neighboring states pose the possibility of a more southern encounter, such as along the Thruway's Berkshire Spur and areas east of the Hudson River. To assist NYSDOT with monitoring trends in moose travel patterns, the public is encouraged to report moose sightings at the department's Web site https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/engineering/environmental-analysis/adirondack-park-forest-preserve or by sending an e-mail to MO-MooseSiting@dot.state.ny.us.

The best way to avoid a collision with a deer or moose is to reduce speed and be alert for their presence on or near the highway. In addition, motorists are advised to keep the following cautionary information in mind to help prevent deer- and moose-vehicle collisions:

• Use caution when driving at dawn or dusk;
• Be sure all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts and children are properly restrained in child safety seats;
• Slow down when approaching deer or moose standing near the roadside, as they may suddenly bolt into the road;
• Deer and moose may not be traveling alone, so if a deer or moose is spotted crossing the road, slow down and be alert that others may follow;
• Briefly use flashers or a headlight signal to warn approaching drivers when deer or moose are spotted in or near the highway;
• Be especially alert and use caution when traveling through frequent deer or moose crossing areas, which are usually marked with "leaping stag" or moose signs;
• Do not rely on devices, such as deer whistles, extra lights or reflectors, to deter deer;
• Research has shown that your best defense is your own responsible behavior;
• Motorcyclists should be especially alert for deer, as motorcycle-deer collisions have a higher fatality rate; and
• If a deer does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or potentially deadly fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole.

Deer or moose hit and killed by vehicles should be reported to the police. Motorists are not allowed to keep the animal unless a permit is first obtained from a law-enforcement officer at the scene of the accident.

As part of the DEC's comprehensive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management effort, it is illegal to possess or be given a permit to possess a deer or moose hit within the CWD containment area. The CWD containment area includes the cities of Rome, Sherrill and Utica and towns of Annsville, Augusta, Floyd, Kirkland, Lee, Marcy, New Hartford, Trenton, Vernon, Verona, Vienna, Western, Westmoreland and Whitestown, all of which are located in Oneida County, as well as the City of Oneida and towns of Lenox and Stockbridge in Madison County. For more information on CWD, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/8345.html.

For the latest national information on deer-vehicle accidents, including ongoing NYSDOT-sponsored research, visit www.deercrash.com.

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