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New York driving lesson · Special Driving Conditions

Avoiding collisions with deer

A 2-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Special Driving Conditions
Checkpoint questions
4
Source pages
64, 65

Deer collisions spike in the fall, and deer are hard to see at the times they move most. Knowing when and where to expect them, and that one deer usually means more, lets you slow down before it's too late.

Two-thirds

Of all deer-vehicle collisions happen in October, November and December

Handbook p. 64 ↗

Know the rule

Those months are when deer breed and travel the most. Daily deer activity is highest at dawn and dusk, which are often the busiest commuting times.

Handbook p. 64 ↗

Know the rule

Deer travel in groups. If you see one, expect more.

Handbook p. 64 ↗

DEC precautions to reduce the chance of hitting a deer:

  • Be careful at dawn and dusk, when visibility is poor and deer are most active
  • Know the risk rises during breeding season in October, November and December
  • Slow down near deer by the road; they can bolt or change direction at the last minute
  • If a deer crosses, slow down and be careful: others are likely to follow
  • Use emergency lights or flash your headlights to warn other drivers of deer on or near the road
  • Use caution where deer crossing signs are posted
Handbook p. 65 ↗

Know the rule

Deer crossing signs are placed in areas that have had a large number of deer-vehicle collisions.

Handbook p. 65 ↗

Put it into practice

It's a November evening at dusk and a deer darts across the road ahead. Slow down and watch the roadside: more deer are likely to follow. Flash your headlights or hazards to warn the drivers behind you.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Two-thirds of deer-vehicle collisions happen during which months?
  1. October through December
  2. June, July, and August
  3. January, February, and March
  4. April, May, and June

Answer: October through December

Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur during October, November, and December, deer breeding season.

Handbook p. 64 ↗
At what times of day is deer activity highest?
  1. Midday
  2. Dawn and dusk
  3. Late night only
  4. Mid-morning

Answer: Dawn and dusk

Daily deer activity is highest at dawn and dusk, often the busiest commuting times.

Handbook p. 64 ↗
You see one deer cross the road ahead of you. What should you expect?
  1. It will be the only one
  2. It will freeze in your lights
  3. More deer may follow
  4. It will cross back right away

Answer: More deer may follow

Deer travel in groups; if you see one, slow down and expect others to follow.

Handbook p. 65 ↗
Flashing your headlights or using emergency lights to warn other drivers of deer near the road is recommended.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

DEC recommends using emergency lights or flashing headlights to warn other drivers when deer are on or near the road.

Handbook p. 65 ↗
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