As Deer Activity Increases - Drive with Extra Caution
From Police Department
Daylight in New Jersey is Decreasing Due to Earlier Twilight and The Franklin Lakes Police Department want to remind drivers to be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the annual rut, or mating season, for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is limited during the peak commuting hours.
At this time of year, deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk for drivers to stop suddenly or be involved in collisions. Deer activity is more likely to occur during early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility may be limited, and more motorists are on their way to work commuting.
“Most of the collisions that deer have with motor vehicles in Franklin Lakes every year occur during the fall mating season,” said Chief Mark McCombs. “We urge drivers to be especially cautious and alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting out into the roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves or others,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel.
Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December.
Awareness to the presence of deer will become even more difficult when daylight saving time ends a 2 a.m. on Sunday November 3rd. This means that many commutes will then align with the time when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving. Reduced lighting as well as sun glare can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the roadway.
These tips can help motorists stay safe during the fall rut:
Daylight in New Jersey is Decreasing Due to Earlier Twilight and The Franklin Lakes Police Department want to remind drivers to be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the annual rut, or mating season, for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is limited during the peak commuting hours.
At this time of year, deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk for drivers to stop suddenly or be involved in collisions. Deer activity is more likely to occur during early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility may be limited, and more motorists are on their way to work commuting.
“Most of the collisions that deer have with motor vehicles in Franklin Lakes every year occur during the fall mating season,” said Chief Mark McCombs. “We urge drivers to be especially cautious and alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting out into the roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves or others,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel.
Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December.
Awareness to the presence of deer will become even more difficult when daylight saving time ends a 2 a.m. on Sunday November 3rd. This means that many commutes will then align with the time when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving. Reduced lighting as well as sun glare can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the roadway.
These tips can help motorists stay safe during the fall rut:
- Slow down if you see a deer and watch for possible sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
- Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you have enough time to stop, if necessary.
- Use high beams after dark if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.
- Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
- Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
- Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer.
- Obey the state’s hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.
- Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 911.