Fall Season Increases Danger of Vehicle and Deer Accidents on Roads

It’s as inevitable as the leaves changing colors and falling from the trees.

The beginning of fall signifies the beginning of mating season for Pennsylvania’s population of white-tailed deer, and it translates into an increased number of deer-related accidents on area roads and highways. 

The risk of vehicle versus deer accidents is even greater in western Pennsylvania, where the deer herd is one of the largest.

“It’s the time of the year when deer become preoccupied with finding the opposite sex and staying ahead of their rival suitors,” said Carl Roe, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “It’s a time when deer don’t seem to maintain the distance that typically keeps them from dangerously interacting with motorists.”

Roe said the month of October through Thanksgiving is the biggest time for deer collisions on Pennsylvania roads, and the peak generally slows down in December.

Around sundown, and just before sunrise, are the most dangerous times for deer and vehicle collisions, according to information made available by the game commission.

Chief Harry Fruecht said during 2010 there were 34 non-reportable and four reportable vehicle/deer accidents in Peters Township. So far this year, there have been 25 non-reportable and three reportable accidents.

“It seems as if we're on course for about the same number of deer accidents this year,” he said.

Dale Opeka, owner of  in McMurray, agrees that there are peak times of year, but deer collision damage to vehicles in this area is almost year-round. He said deer collision repair is a big part of his business.

“It seems that we see deer damage to cars all year long,” Opeka said. “It’s become worse over the years, and we find we get a lot of customers in the summer months, too. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true.”

Opeka said continued development has pushed many deer out of the woods and into the path of vehicles.

“It’s a shame to see whitetails killed on highways in the weeks before our biggest deer season,” Roe said. ”Obviously many of these accidents are unavoidable because deer do step into the path of fast-moving vehicles.”

Roe said that by driving defensively and alertly can help give motorists the edge.

“The personal tragedies and property losses that are caused by deer-vehicle collisions touch the lives of Pennsylvanians statewide," Roe said. "It’s an unfortunate and painful consequence of living with white-tailed deer.”

Roe said motorists should never assume trouble has passed completely when a deer crosses the road. He noted that deer often travel in groups.

“One deer crossing could be a signal for other deer to follow,” he added.

Other motorist tips from Roe include:

• Don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing the road
• Watch for the reflection of eyes, and for silhouettes on the shoulder of the road
• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population
• Don’t assume once a deer has crossed the road that it won’t decide to re-cross the road in your path, or the side of your vehicle

Opeka said there are several things for motorists to also remember when they have an encounter with a deer.  

For insurance purposes, and for proof that damage was caused by a deer collision, do not wash or remove hair from the vehicle before taking it for a repair estimate. 

He also said that deer collisions are generally covered by comprehensive insurance on the vehicle. There is generally no additional cost in premium for the insurance.

However, if a motorist swerves to avoid a deer and has vehicle damage from a collision with another object, an insurance premium is likely to go up because the crash is considered an accident.

“The best way to stay out of trouble and avoid collisions with deer is to remain vigilant and alert while driving,” Roe said. “It will reduce the likelihood of having a collision with a deer.”