Autumn is the prime time for deer to be on the move and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its safety partners are reminding drivers to be alert for deer crossing area roadways.

“With Pennsylvania's large deer population and their tendency to be more mobile this time of year, motorists must remain vigilant and be prepared for deer to cross roadways at any moment," said Austin Soboleski, a Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator with the Highway Safety Network. “While not all deer-related crashes are avoidable, you can help keep yourself safe by slowing down and eliminating all distractions so you can keep your full attention on the act of driving."

In PennDOT District 1, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties, the number of deer-related crashes has been on the rise since 2021. Similarly, deer-related crashes have seen an uptick statewide since 2019.

According to PennDOT data, in 2023, there were 6,315 deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 1,223 injuries and 23 fatalities. In the northwest region alone, there were 545 crashes, resulting in 110 injuries and four fatalities.

Deer often travel in small herds and are most active between sunset and sunrise as they look for food. Drivers should be extra cautious during morning and evening commute times.

PennDOT recommends the following safety tips to help drivers avoid a deer-related crash:

• Slow down and be alert, especially where deer crossing signs are posted.

• Increase the following distance between vehicles.

• Make new drivers aware of increased deer movement.

• Exercise caution when one deer crosses the roadway and be on the lookout for more that could be coming behind it.

• Always wear your seat belt.

• Never drive impaired by drugs or alcohol.

• Turn your headlights on whenever using your wipers.

 
If a motorist is involved in a deer-related crash, they should assess the situation to determine whether or not they need to contact the police.

“Any crash that involves one or more vehicles being damaged to the point where it cannot be driven from the scene, or any collision that results in death or injury of a person must be reported to police," said Trooper Cindy Schick, Community Services Officer with Troop E of the Pennsylvania State Police.

If the vehicle remains drivable following the crash and there are no injuries, motorists are not required by law to contact police.

“If you're ever unsure of what to do, don't hesitate to call 911," Schick said.

Pennsylvanians can report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting feedback through the PennDOT Customer Care Center.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X or Facebook.   
 
Editor's Note: Below are statistics for deer-related crashes, total injuries, and total fatalities for Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties over the last five years.

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