As daylight saving time comes to an end, Massachusetts drivers need to buck up this fall and be on the lookout for deer. According to a AAA Northeast analysis of crash data, October, November and December were the peak months for deer-related crashes in 2019 with an average of one deer crash every hour-and-a-half across the Commonwealth during those three months.
In 2019, there were 1,557 deer-related crashes between October and December, most commonly near sunset when deer tend to be grazing for food and on the move during their annual mating season. Eighty-one percent of deer crashes occurred outside daylight hours.
“Motorists need to be especially vigilant and anticipate deer darting into the roadway, especially during evening hours,” said Mary Maguire, director of public and legislative affairs for AAA Northeast. “Deer pose dangers to themselves, to your vehicle, and to you, so it behooves everybody to be prepared and alert. I’ve also had deer dash out in front of my bike in wooded areas, so cyclists should be vigilant as well!”
The top counties for deer crashes in Massachusetts last year were Bristol (268), Worcester (260), Plymouth (210), Middlesex (188), Essex (122).
The top towns for deer crashes were Wilbraham, Rehoboth, and Westport (27 each); Middleborough (24); Swansea (20); East Longmeadow (19); and Andover, Westford, Easton, and Acushnet (18 each).
Most deer-related crashes occur because drivers simply don’t see deer crossing the roadway in low-light conditions. But many crashes occur due to driver distraction or inattentiveness. AAA reminds motorists to:
- Slow Down. Reduce speed in low-light conditions, which will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
- Scan off-road areas. Deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.
- Be patient. Where there is one, there may be many, so don’t speed off after a deer crosses your path as there may be more nearby.
- Be prepared. If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane; swerving sharply to avoid an animal can cause an even more serious crash.
Along with earlier sunsets, the end of daylight savings can increase the risk of drowsy driving, as well. The time change can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to loss of sleep. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, losing one to two hours of sleep doubles your crash risk, and an individual operating a vehicle with five hours of sleep or less in a 24-hour period faces crash risk as someone driving drunk.