The biggest danger on the roads this fall is white-tailed deer (as in the plural word deer).

An annual event, white-tailed deer mating season — a.k.a. rut — is the time of year when male bucks or bucks focus on or engage exclusively in courting and mating with female bucks.

And now, as the days grow shorter, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, the state Office of Highway Safety and even AAA We warn drivers to be careful as the rut progresses, as they explain results can change with lethal rapidity.

The Office of Highway Safety found that: More than 1,600 motor vehicle accidents Deer were among the accidents reported in 2023, and the latest data shows that there have been more than 830 deer-related accidents this year alone.

More: Deer mating season has arrived: How to prevent deer collisions, what to do if they occur

Here’s how to keep yourself safe on the road.

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First things first: learn the basics.

The mating season for white-tailed deer generally lasts from mid to late October and into December; many deer appear at dawn and dusk; making this one of the busiest times on the road for drivers.

And as DNREC Fish and Wildlife Biologist Sam Millman explains, because deer are so focused on finding a mate before winter, they tend to focus very little on anything else.

“Spurred by the rut, deer-chasing deer will cross Delaware roads over and over again without any instinct telling them not to go there, creating hazards for drivers,” Millman said.

Deer often travel in groups as well, so if you see one near the road there is a chance there are more of them. And you will notice them immediately.

According to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, the average whitetail deer in the First State weighs about 140 pounds, while larger deer can weigh more than 200 pounds.

This means that a road accident involving a deer can not only cause significant and expensive damage, but also put the lives of the driver and his passengers, as well as those in other vehicles, at risk.

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But it doesn’t have to be this way.

What to do on the road

If you’re preparing to drive during rut-related hours, here are a few things to keep in mind, according to several government agencies:

• make sure fasten your seat belt – not just during mating season but at all times – to avoid injury in the event of an accident.

• If you are driving any time between 5pm and 7pm, take your time and drive slower.

• Turn on your headlights If you are on the road at dusk or dawn and be sure to scan the road Look for any deer on the side or path of the road ahead of you.

• If there is no traffic coming towards you, turn on your high beams – this mirrors the eyes of any wandering deer.

• Be careful and aware From all kinds of distractions while on the road. This could be using your cell phone or eating while driving. among other things.

• Watch out for “Deer Pass” signs – these mark areas where deer often slaughter during the rut. (It is strongly recommended that you slow down and proceed carefully on these roads.)

• If you see a deer on your way, slow down. Later, honk your horn with a single, long blast to scare them.

• Just as important, deflection your car To avoid hitting a deer, instead apply the brakes slowly and stay in your lane. Skidding could potentially cause you to hit another vehicle, lose control of your car, or hit another obstacle in the road; This last one may be more serious than a deer hitting a car.

• Avoid relying on devices Like deer fences or whistles to scare away deer as they have not been proven to help reduce accidents from deer.

In case of an accident

If you hit a deer, stay calm, pull over to the side of the road (with flashing lights on), and call 911 immediately for help.

It is recommended not to approach or try to touch the animal, even if it is injured. Many people say that doing so can cause even the most well-intentioned person to cause serious injury to themselves or others.

Although the rut lasts several months, white-tailed deer can pose a serious threat to roadways at any time of year; so always be careful.

“While these precautions cannot guarantee that you will avoid a crash, they can significantly improve your safety and reduce potential damage to your vehicle,” said Lt. India Sturgis, public information manager for the Delaware Police Department. in a statement.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impacts for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach him at [email protected].

This article first appeared in the Delaware News Journal: How to avoid a deer-car collision in Delaware