Deer Collisions Reach 70,000 a Year in New York

By Y.M. Lowy

Deer are becoming a bigger danger on New York roads. State officials say about 70,000 crashes happen each year when drivers suddenly meet a deer in their path. Many end with damage, injuries, and shaken drivers who never saw it coming.

The Department of Environmental Conservation says the state’s deer population keeps growing, and with it the risks. Beyond the crashes, deer also cause millions of dollars in crop damage and spread ticks. But for most people, it is the sudden jolt of headlights catching a deer on the road that makes them worry most.

Officials are reminding drivers to stay alert, especially in the early morning and evening when deer are most active. A single moment of surprise can turn an ordinary drive into a dangerous accident.