DELAWARE — With the annual white-tailed deer mating season, known as the rut, now in full swing and daylight hours shortening, Delaware authorities are calling for extra vigilance on the roads. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Office of Highway Safety, and Delaware State Police have issued warnings, especially for the period following the Nov. 5 change from Daylight Saving Time to Eastern Standard Time.
During this season, the busiest times for motorists coincide with when deer are most active – around dusk and dawn. Deer-vehicle collisions are most common on unlit rural roads without heavy traffic or busier roadways bordered by woods.
Latest figures show that most deer-vehicle collisions in Delaware occur between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and again between 5 p.m. and midnight. In 2022, the state recorded 1,619 crashes involving deer, and over 860 deer-related crashes have been reported so far in 2023.
Authorities recommend using high beams during low-light situations to spot deer along the roadside, reducing speed in areas known for deer sightings, staying attentive while driving, avoiding distractions, and always wearing seatbelts.
Hitting a deer, which can weigh up to 200 pounds, can cause injury to drivers or passengers, trigger an accident involving other motorists, and result in costly damage to vehicles.
Authorities also advise that attentive driving is the best way to prevent or lessen the severity of deer-vehicle collisions. Avoiding distractions such as mobile phones, adjusting the radio or in-car computer screen, eating while driving, and engaging in passenger activities can help keep focus on the road.
Additional safety tips include:
- Be aware that deer often travel in groups. If you see one, others may follow.
- If a collision with a deer seems inevitable, don’t swerve. It’s safer to hit the deer than potentially lose control of your vehicle or veer into oncoming traffic.
- Always report any deer-vehicle collision to the police, even if damage to your vehicle is minimal.
- Consider investing in comprehensive insurance coverage, which often covers damage from deer collisions.
Stay safe and alert on the roads during this active period for deer. Your vigilance can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey during the autumn and winter months.
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