New York drivers need to buckle up this fall and watch for animals on the roads. Animal-related collisions are one of the most common contributing factors in crashes in New York, after driver inattention/distraction, passing/lane changing/improper use, following too closely, and failure to yield right-of-way. Fall is the season when drivers are encouraged to be most cautious!

AAA analyzed New York crash data and found that October, November, and December are by far the peak months for animal crashes, notably deer, in the Empire State. There were 36,743 animal-related crashes statewide in 2024, tied for the most animal-related crashes since at least 2018, according to preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR) – that’s equivalent to one animal-related crash every 15 minutes. Of the 36,743 crashes, there were 1,630 crashes that resulted in injury and 7 that resulted in death.

“A car-deer collision is much more than an inconvenience - it can be both deadly and costly,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “Drivers should pay close attention, avoid distractions, and scan the road for deer and other wildlife when traveling on area roadways especially in the fall when the chances of such crashes escalate.”

Here are the top 10 counties for animal crashes in 2024 based on AAA’s analysis of preliminary numbers:

• Orange (1,656 — the most since at least 2018)*
• Monroe (1,565 — the most since at least 2018)*
• Suffolk (1,555 — the most since at least 2018)*
• Oneida (1,456 — the most since at least 2018)*
• St. Lawrence (1,372)
• Jefferson (1,320 – the most since at least 2018)*
• Ontario (1,187)
• Erie (1,162 – the most since at least 2018)*
• Ulster (1,079 – the most since 2020)
• Onondaga (997)

*Data collection changes prevent comparison to years before 2018.

Motorists should be especially vigilant after dark as deer crashes often occur outside daylight hours. The NYS Department of Transportation reports most of the incidents occur two hours before sunrise and after sunset each day.
 

AAA offers the following tips for avoiding, or mitigating, deer crashes:

1. Scan the road. Especially the shoulders of the road in front of you. Deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road. They often travel in herds.
2. Follow the speed limit. Keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
3. Can’t avoid a collision? Apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane. Swerving sharply to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash.
    

Animal activity on the road can be unpredictable, leading even experienced, savvy drivers into accidents. For peace of mind against the unexpected, count on AAA Insurance to keep you covered wherever you go. Ask for a quote today.

AAA Insurance