Massachusetts deer crashes hit file excessive: Car collisions leap between October and December

Right here’s your annual reminder to be careful for darting deer as they’re on the transfer throughout mating season.

Deer crashes in Massachusetts jumped to a file excessive final yr, based on AAA Northeast — which reported almost 4,000 deer collisions within the Bay State.

Of the whole 3,867 deer crashes final yr, almost 50% of the collisions (1,908) occurred from October to December. This three-month interval coincides with deer mating season, which is when deer are on the transfer and extra aggressive than standard.

As a result of Northeast deer populations have grown dramatically over the previous few a long time, deer crashes have been steadily rising.

“Extra vigilance is required to anticipate and avoid a deer darting into the roadway, especially during evening hours,” stated Mark Schieldrop, of AAA Northeast. “Deer are unpredictable and can appear in front of your vehicle suddenly and without warning.

“Remember, if you see one deer, there’s a good chance that more deer are nearby,” he added.

The three,867 complete deer crashes reported final yr was the very best depend since 2002, primarily based on out there crash information.

Deer crashes have greater than tripled since 2002, when 1,104 complete deer crashes have been reported.

Crashes final yr have been commonest close to sundown (6-8 p.m. earlier than the clock change, and 5-7 p.m. after the clock change), with 81% of deer crashes occurring exterior sunlight hours.

The highest counties for deer crashes have been Plymouth (332), Bristol/Worcester (322), Middlesex (252) and Essex (135).

The highest cities for deer crashes have been Westport (56), Middleboro (44), Swansea (34), Lakeville/Taunton (25), Plymouth/Uxbridge/Westford (24), Andover (23) and Freetown (22).