Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - It's currently peak season for deer collisions in the Northeast and AAA is out with new numbers, showing deer crashes are the highest on record since 2002.
Last year, deer crashes between the months of October and December jumped to 1,656. That's the equivalent to one deer collision every 80 minutes. AAA found most crashes happen at sunset, which now occurs during the afternoon commute thanks to daylight saving time.
“Hitting a deer can have traumatic and devastating consequences and drivers need to be especially vigilant at this time of year,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “The best defense against deer crashes is to be prepared and alert. Last year, I struck a deer on a curvy road on a dark night close to my home. Fortunately, I was driving fairly slowly, but I still managed to cause $6,000 in damage to my car. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you—when you least expect it.”
Last year, Bristol county saw the most deer crashes, with a whopping 282. Looking at the data for specific municipalities, Middleborough saw the most crashes, with 33 reported. Westport reported 32 crashes, while Taunton saw 31. Rounding out the top five municipalities for deer collisions is Swansea with 22 and with 19 crashes records, Bolton, Freetown and Plymouth tied.
AAA said there are a number of things drivers can do to prevent the dangerous and costly collisions. Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you as you drive. Deer have a tendency to dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.
Follow the speed limit. By keeping your speed down, it'll give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife in the roadway. If you do spot an animal, AAA said one long blast on your horn should scare animals away from your vehicle. And remember, if you spot one, there are often others nearby as deer rarely travel alone.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App