AAA warns Long Island drivers of increased deer collision risk this fall
October and November mark peak deer mating season, when animals are more active and less cautious around vehicles.
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Drivers across Long Island may have some unexpected company on the roads this fall as AAA warns of an increased risk of deer collisions.
"If you see one, there is probably going to be more. They can just bound out into the road unexpectedly," AAA spokesperson Robert Sinclair Jr. said.
Deer are on the move across the Island, and some residents say they are seeing plenty of them.
"I'm surprised by the numerous amount that are running around here. Smithtown is loaded with deer," Smithtown resident Anthony Russo said.
October and November mark peak deer mating season, when the animals are more active and even less cautious around cars.
Kings Park resident Tom Doyle described one encounter involving a deer on Route 347.
"A buck ran onto 347 and ran right into a driver's door, fell down, got up and ran away. The guy got out of the truck and was like "What happened, I'm just at a light."
According to AAA, Southold led New York state with 790 deer crashes from 2021 through 2024. Brookhaven ranked sixth with 599 crashes, while Southampton ranked 10th with 526.
Most crashes happen at dawn or dusk.
"That's when they really come out. Certain areas are more prevalent," Doyle said.
AAA says drivers should slow down, scan the sides of the road and never swerve to avoid a deer.
Sinclair also cautioned drivers against braking too aggressively.
"Jamming on the breaks real hard can be counterproductive. When you hit the brakes hard, the front end dives. If you hit the animal, it tends to make the deer roll up the hood of the vehicle and through the windshield. That has happened where a person was killed."
