State Police say car-deer accidents are increasing

Posted 16 October 2019 at 8:57 am

Drivers urged not to swerve if deer enters roadway

Photo by Tom Rivers: These deer are shown by West Barre Road in Barre on Oct. 12, 2018

Press Release, State Police

Every October and November, State Troopers handle an increased number of vehicles collisions striking deer in Troop A – Western New York. Operators should use caution around dusk and dawn.

If you are operating a vehicle and a deer enters the roadway do not swerve. When an operator swerves to avoid a deer, the vehicle is more likely to strike another vehicle or exit the roadway striking trees or utility poles.

If you strike a deer, remain at the scene and call 911. An accident report can be completed by Troopers if your vehicle has over $1,000 in damage or if an involved person has been injured.

State Police Troop A stats for car/deer collisions include:

September 2017: 83 collisions

October 2017:  181 collisions

November 2017: 314 collisions

2017 total collisions: 1,412


September 2018: 103 collisions

October 2018: 187 collisions

November 2018: 270 collisions

2018 total collisions: 1,523

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