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Deer crashes are increasing ‘leaps and bounds’ in Massachusetts

By Natalie Khait, Boston 25 News Staff
Deer crashes are increasing ‘leaps and bounds' in Massachusetts Deer crashes are increasing ‘leaps and bounds' in Massachusetts
By Natalie Khait, Boston 25 News Staff

Mass. — Deer crashes are increasing ‘leaps and bounds” in Massachusetts, according is AAA Northeast.

AAA wants to remind drivers be careful on the roads during peak deer collision season.

Last year, between October and December, deer crashes hit a record number of 1,656, according to AAA Northeast. This is the highest number since 2002.

According to AAA, daylight savings is also affecting drivers on the roads as commutes home become darker. Deer crashes are most common between 6 and 8 p.m before daylight savings, and between 5 and 7 p.m. after daylight savings.

AAA wants drivers to be aware of the roads and deer when they are driving home in the dark.

“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.

The top Massachusetts towns for deer crashes from October through December in 2021:

  • Middleborough: 33
  • Westport: 32
  • Taunton: 31
  • Swansea: 22
  • Bolton/Freetown/Plymouth (tie): 19
  • Westford: 17
  • Rehoboth: 16
  • Easton/Norton/Weston: 15

The top Massachusetts counties for deer crashes from October through December in 2021:

  • Bristol: 282
  • Middlesex: 277
  • Worcester: 261
  • Plymouth: 230
  • Essex: 139

AAA offers these tips for avoiding or mitigating deer crashes:

  • Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you; deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.
  • Follow the speed limit; keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
  • Be careful rounding curves and climbing hills where visibility is limited.
  • One long blast on your horn may frighten animals away from your car if you spy them early enough.
  • If you spy one deer, look out for others. Deer rarely travel alone.
  • Use your high beams along dark roadways if there is no oncoming traffic.
  • If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and try to remain in your lane and avoid other vehicles; swerving sharply can cause an even more serious crash.

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