With deer-vehicle collisions peaking between October and December, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers to remain vigilant to avoid accidents on the road. New York State experiences between 60,000 and 70,000 deer-related accidents annually, many of which occur in the fall.

The Sheriff’s Office shared several safety tips to reduce collision risks:

• Drive carefully at dawn and dusk. when deer are most active and watch both the road and shoulders.
• Reduce speed at night and use high beams when safe to do so.
• Make sure all passengers are properly restrained. with seat belts and child safety seats.
• Keep an eye out for groups of deer, since they often travel together. If one deer crosses, others may follow.
• Motorcyclists must take extreme caution due to the higher mortality rate in motorcycle and deer collisions.

If a deer appears unexpectedly on the road, authorities recommend braking firmly rather than swerving, which could cause a more serious accident. The best prevention is responsible and alert driving.

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