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Deer Collisions On Connecticut Roadways Expected To 'Increase By Leaps, Bounds,' AAA Warns

With fall in full swing and days becoming shorter, deer collisions on Connecticut roadways "increase by leaps and bounds," warns AAA Northeast.

Deer

Deer

 Photo Credit: Pixabay/User 12019
Daily Voice

"Drivers need to steer clear of deer beginning this month, the start of deer mating season in Connecticut, when more deer traverse wooded areas along the state’s roadways at twilight," said the AAA.

Although animal-related crashes are costly and dangerous to drivers, they’re generally underreported, AAA Northeast spokeswoman Fran Mayko said.

However, data from the UConn Crash Data Repository reports there were 418 deer-related crashes between October and December last year, a figure equivalent to one deer-related crash every six hours. 

Of that number, 32 resulted in fatal injuries on statewide roads, the most since 2011.

The repository also reports that 73 percent of deer crashes generally occurred outside daylight hours, especially around sunset from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. timeframe before the clock change; and during the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. period when we switch to Standard Time.

The "Fall Back" time change is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6.

“Drivers need to be especially vigilant at dusk,” Mayko said. “Deer present dangers to you and to your vehicle so it behooves everyone to be prepared since such crashes can be costly, even deadly.”

In Connecticut, the highest number of reported strikes occurred in Groton (21); Bloomfield and Wallingford, 15; Farmington and Manchester 13, Simsbury, and Torrington, 12; Avon and Orange, 11; and Hamden, 10

To avoid a deer crash, AAA recommends these precautions:

  • Scan the road ahead of you, including shoulders since deer can very well dash out from adjacent wooded areas.
  • Be especially attentive in the early morning and evening hours, the prime commuting times.
  • Be careful rounding curves and climbing hills where visibility is limited.
  • One long blast on your horn may frighten animals away from your car if you spy them early enough.
  • If you spy one deer, look out for others. Deer rarely travel alone.
  • Use your high beams along dark roadways if there is no oncoming traffic.
  • If you can’t avoid a collision and impact is imminent, brake firmly and try to remain in your lane. Swerving to avoid the animal may cause you to lose control of your vehicle and create a more serious crash.

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