ANTLER ALERT: THRUWAY AUTHORITY, STATE POLICE REMIND MOTORISTS OF DEER SEASON DANGERS
The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Police Troop T are reminding motorists of the dangers of deer season with the semi-annual “Antler Alert.”
Deer become more active and are more frequently present along the roadside in May and June. Most deer-vehicle collisions on the Thruway occur May through June and October through November, according to the Thruway Authority and the State Police Troop T.
The Thruway Authority maintains an excellent safety record and uses deer crossing signs at locations with a higher-than-average history of vehicle-deer collisions. Nevertheless more than 2,000 of these incidents occurred along the Thruway in 2012.
The Thruway Authority offers these safety tips for motorists:
- Always wear your seatbelt; it’s the law.
- Be more aware of deer throughout May and June.
- Deer are more active during evening, dusk and dawn.
- Scan shoulders of the roadside for deer eyes reflecting light.
- Using high beams and sounding horn may help to repel deer, but won’t necessarily prevent a collision.
- Slow down when approaching deer standing at the roadside, as they may run into oncoming traffic.
- Deer often move in groups. Where there’s one, there may be more.
- If you see a deer in your lane, brake firmly. The most serious vehicle-deer accidents occur when drivers veer at high speeds, and strike another vehicle or go off the road.
- Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. This can confuse deer and possibly cause them to go into the roadway.
- If you are involved in a vehicle-deer collision, do not attempt to approach or touch the deer.
If a vehicle-deer accident occurs, motorists should make every attempt to drive their vehicle as far off the highway as possible, park on the right shoulder, activate their four-way hazard flashers, and stay in the vehicle and wait until help arrives.
Motorists traveling on the Thruway can report an accident by calling 911 or the Thruway Authority’s emergency number at 1-800-842-2233.