Most collisions with deer (or moose) occur during the months of October, November and December. There are a number of deer around Green Island and surrounding communities. To avoid a collision with a deer or moose, drivers should reduce speed and watch for their presence on or near the highway. Here, NYSDOT has provided more specific precautions to help prevent such accidents:
- Use caution when driving at dawn or dusk and scan roads and roadsides ahead;
- Reduce your speed at night and use high beams when possible;
- Be sure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts and children are properly restrained in child safety seats;
- Slow down when approaching deer or moose standing near the roadside, as they may suddenly bolt into the road;
- Deer and moose often travel in pairs or groups, so if deer or moose are spotted crossing the road, slow down and be alert that others may follow;
- Briefly use flashers or a headlight signal to warn approaching drivers when deer or moose are spotted in or near the highway;
- Be especially alert and use caution when traveling through frequent deer or moose crossing areas;
- Do not rely on devices, such as deer whistles, extra lights or reflectors, to deter deer. Research has shown that your best defense is your own responsible behavior;
- Motorcyclists should be especially alert for deer as motorcycle-deer collisions have a higher fatality rate; and
- If a deer does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or potentially deadly fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole.
https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/deerandmoose