Deer Mating Season Warning: Dangers and Costs for New Jersey Drivers

Increased Risk During Mating Season

• 🦌 Deer mating season is currently underway, leading to increased deer activity on roadways.
• ⚠️ Drivers are warned of heightened risks, especially during dawn and dusk.
• 🚗 Collisions between vehicles and deer are common, with thousands occurring annually in New Jersey and New York.

Driver Safety Recommendations

• ⚠️ Experts advise slowing down and being cautious of surroundings.
• 🛑 Do not swerve or slam on the brakes if a deer appears.
• 🌳 Swerving could lead to hitting a tree or another vehicle, while hard braking can cause the deer to go over the hood and through the windshield.

Financial Impact of Collisions

• 💰 Auto repair shops experience a busy period due to deer-related vehicle damage.
• 💸 Repairs for frontend damage can be very expensive, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars, especially for luxury vehicles.

Recognizing Deer Presence

• 🌲 If one deer is spotted, it's likely that many more are nearby, possibly off to the side of the road.
• 🗓️ The peak activity period for deer is from late October to mid-December.