(Western, MA) Deer versus car crashes have significantly increased in Massachusetts. According to Northeast AAA, peak deer crash season is between October and December, last year there were over 1,800 accidents during that time, the highest recorded number since 2002. Drivers can mitigate deer crashes by frequently scanning road shoulders, be vigilant around corners, and watch out for more deer if you spot one, they rarely travel alone. 

Full release from Northeast AAA:

Oct. 12, 2023—Deer crashes are increasing by leaps and bounds in Massachusetts, and AAA is reminding drivers that it’s peak season for deer collisions.

Last year, deer crashes between the months of October and December jumped to 1,806 – the highest number on record since at least 2002, according to a AAA Northeast analysis of crash data available from the state’s IMPACT crash portal. That’s equivalent to one deer crash every 74 minutes.

Drivers should be especially vigilant during the PM commute, since crashes are most common near sunset. The top hours for deer crashes are 6-8pm before the time change and 5-7pm after the time change.

“Deer crashes can occur quickly and in unexpected locations,” said Mark Schieldrop, AAA Northeast Senior Spokesperson. Crashes were recorded last autumn on roads with speed limits as low as 15mph and as high as 65mph. “Drivers need to be especially vigilant this time of year.”

The top Massachusetts towns for deer crashes from October-December 2022:

  1. Middleborough (48)
  2. Taunton (39)
  3. Westport (29)
  4. Swansea (28)
  5. Rehoboth (22)
  6. East Bridgewater / Seekonk (tied at 20)
  7. Freetown (19)
  8. Acushnet / Plymouth / Wareham (tied at 18)

The top Massachusetts counties for deer crashes from October-December 2022:

  1. Plymouth (312)
  2. Bristol (302)
  3. Worcester (283)
  4. Middlesex (225)
  5. Essex (134)

AAA offers the following tips for avoiding or mitigating deer crashes:

  • Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you; deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.
  • Follow the speed limit; keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
  • 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 notice 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 a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and try to remain in your lane and avoid other vehicles; swerving sharply can cause an even more serious crash.
  • Wear your seatbelt; your chances of being injured in a deer crash are significantly higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on.
  • If a crash occurs, move the vehicle to a safe location if possible and report the incident to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075, according to the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
  • Contact your insurance company to report any damage to your car. Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely and without entering the roadway. Damage to the car from animal crashes generally falls under a driver’s comprehensive coverage.