Deer-related car accidents increase

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Mating season for deer, or "rut," is coming up and will peak the first week of November. The majority of vehicle collisions with deer happen from October until December.

"At that time, the bucks are chasing the does all day long and they are more active and not necessarily more active at night but all day long. Also, as we get closer to gun season, they are being pursued by hunters and that makes them more active during the day time as well," explained Ed Dunning, Station Commander of the NYS Police.

Dusk until dawn is the time people need to be most aware of their surroundings, especially in rural areas. If you do see a deer on the side of the road, it may not be the only one. Does tend to herd together and there may be three or four at a time.

So far this year, there have been 317 animal accidents on the thruway from Rochester to the Pennsylvania state-line.

Drivers are better off slowing down and striking the animal as opposed to swerving into another lane. You may end up striking another vehicle or you may end up in a ditch, causing yourself more harm than good.

"Be aware of the animals on the side of the road. Turn your high beams down if you do see them. Use your horn. Another important thing is that people can out-drive their headlights. If they are driving fast that deer can be on them before their headlights can even catch that animal," Dunning said.

If you do strike a deer, you should stay in your car and call 911 and give them your location. If you try to check on the animal, it may injure you or leave you venerable to getting hit by another car.