The Murphy Administration today reminded motorists to be extra vigilant on roadways as the fall white-tailed deer rut, or mating season, gets underway. Increased deer activity related to the rutting season comes as the amount of daylight decreases, increasing collision risks, especially during morning and evening commutes.

Deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk that drivers may need to stop suddenly. Deer activity is more likely to occur during the early morning and around sunset, when visibility is more difficult due to darkness or sun glare.

“A majority of vehicle collisions involving deer happen during the fall mating season,” said Dave Golden, Assistant Commissioner for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. “Along with our partners at NJDOT, we urge drivers to be especially cautious and alert to the possibility of deer suddenly appearing in roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves or others.”

Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December. Awareness of the presence of deer near or on roadways will become even more important when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.

This means that many commutes will align with the time when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving.

Drivers can stay safe by following these tips:

• Slow your vehicle if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is on the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
• Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive slower when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.
• Use high beams during dark periods if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicle ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads.
• If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.
• Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
• Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive safely and sensibly, following the speed limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
• Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable because a deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Apply brakes appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
• Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Obey the state’s hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.

For information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/white-tailed-deer/

Information about white-tailed deer seasons and regulations is available at dep.nj.gov/njfw/hunting/deer-season-and-regulations/

Like the Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish & Wildlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife

Follow NJDEP’s Fish & Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information, and for NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT , the NJDOT Facebook page , or on Instagram @NewJersey.DOT .

DEP News Release: https://deptest.nj.gov/newsrel/25_01007/