Living in Hunterdon and Warren Counties poses a hazard that city drivers do not have to contend with.
If you drive in the area you will undoubtedly see a deer crossing or one that has been hit on the side of road.
There is an estimated 26,000 deer crashes yearly in New Jersey.
Although deer can cross the road anytime any day the peak mating season has the most activity which is October to mid December, early mornings and sunset.
What can you do to avoid a deer strike:
- Scan around especially in wooded areas.
- Deer stay in groups, if you see one there is likely more to follow.
- At night use your high beams when possible.
- Blow you horn if you see a deer on the side of the road.
- Do not rely on products like deer whistles, they have been proven ineffective.
- Do not go around a deer standing in the roadway, stop and wait.
- Most important is DON'T SWERVE. You can run into a ditch, hit a tree, pole or guardrail and cause more damage and significant injuries. You are better off to hit a softer object with the deer than a solid one.
- Brake firmly. Just before impact, take your foot off the brake so the nose of the car will come back reducing the risk of the deer smashing through your windshield.
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