Hitting the Brakes: Fall Deer Rut is Peaking, Making NJ Roadways High-Risk Zones

Deer Danger Alert! Why Your NJ Commute Just Got Scarier—The Fall Rut is Here & Daylight Saving’s End is the Deadline

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Saddle River NJ, The beautiful scenery of New Jersey in the fall comes with a hidden hazard: the annual white-tailed deer rut, or mating season. This period, which ramps up from late October to mid-December, dramatically increases deer activity near and on roadways, posing a significant risk to motorists across the state.

With decreasing daylight and the upcoming change to Daylight Saving Time, drivers need to be more vigilant than ever, especially during peak commuting hours.

Why the Danger Spikes Now

The heightened risk of deer-vehicle collisions is driven by two main factors converging at once:

1. The Deer Rut: During mating season, bucks aggressively pursue does, making deer more likely to suddenly and erratically dart onto roadways. They are less aware of their surroundings, leading to sudden appearances in front of traffic.
2. Daylight Saving Time Change: When Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2, most drivers’ morning and evening commutes will align perfectly with the hours when deer are most active—early morning and around sunset. This synchronicity of high deer activity and low visibility creates a perfect storm for accidents.

Darkness and sun glare, combined with a distracted or speeding driver, significantly reduce the time needed to react to a sudden deer crossing.

Essential Safety Tips for Deer Season

Staying safe requires defensive driving and awareness of conditions. Follow these tips to minimize your risk during the New Jersey deer rut:

Vigilance and Speed Control

• Watch for Signs: Drive slower and be ready to stop when traveling through areas marked with “Deer Crossing” signs or areas known to have high deer concentrations.
• Use High Beams: Utilize your high beams in dark periods when there is no oncoming traffic. The reflected glare from a deer’s eyes will alert you to their presence near the road much sooner.
• Expect Company: If you spot one deer, assume others are in the area. They rarely travel alone.
• Maintain Distance: Avoid tailgating. The driver ahead of you may need to brake suddenly for a deer, and you need the space to react safely.

Collision Avoidance Strategy

• Wait Them Out: If a deer is standing in the road, slow down and wait. Never attempt to drive around the deer, as its sudden movements may cause you to swerve into oncoming traffic.
• The Brake, Don’t Swerve Rule: If a collision is inevitable, do not swerve. Apply your brakes firmly but appropriately and maintain control of your vehicle within your lane. Fatal collisions are often caused by drivers swerving to avoid a deer and hitting a tree, pole, or oncoming car.
• Stay Focused: Obey the state’s hands-free device law and refrain from any distractions while driving.

Reporting and Legal

• Report Collisions: Always report any deer-vehicle collision to your local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt, as required by law. This is your best defense against injury in any collision.

Remember, the goal is to drive safely and sensibly, adapting your speed to the available light and road conditions during this high-risk season.

 

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