Although car-animal crashes occur year-round, November is the peak month for collisions with deer and moose.

October and December are not far behind. In 2022, 41.5% of crashes between deer and vehicles occurred between October and December, according to a study conducted by the SUNY Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research. Deer and moose are actively breeding in the fall season, which makes them more visible and more likely to show up on roadways.

“During the fall months, motorists should drive with extra caution to help avoid collisions with deer and moose,” said Mark Schroeder, Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner and chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. He added that drivers should heed deer and moose warning signs and pay special attention in those areas.

In Franklin County there are thousands of deer, and every year deer get hit and injured or killed. Meanwhile, numerous vehicles are damaged and drivers and passengers are injured … or worse. If you encounter an animal on the roadway, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a collision with another vehicle, a tree, a pole or other objects.

In 2019 I wrote a similar column titled “What If I Brake Hard for a Deer?” The intent of that article was to warn readers that deer season was a particularly bad time to tailgate. Because deer can suddenly appear, drivers may believe taking hard braking actions will help them avoid a collision. If another vehicle is following too closely, a two-vehicle collision can occur, exacerbating the dangers of hitting deer.

If you do strike an animal, the Department of Environmental Conservation advises motorists to stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer or moose could use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to harm you. Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights. If you must leave your vehicle, stay off the road and out of the way of any oncoming vehicles.

Call the police. Alert authorities if the animal is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers. If the collision results in injury, death (to other persons) or more than $1,000 in property damage, you must fill out an official crash report and send it to DMV within 10 days. And be sure to notify your insurance agent about an animal incident when there is damage to your vehicle.

One last thing — after a collision with a deer, don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won’t latch and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow truck.