East Brunswick Officials Warn of Higher Accident Risk During Deer Season

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Deer season, which typically runs from October through December, brings a significant increase in deer activity and movement across New Jersey, including East Brunswick.

During this period, deer frequently venture onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods in search of food and water, leading to more deer-vehicle collisions than any other time of year, the local police department said.

The police department has asked drivers to exercise extreme caution and follow these safety tips to avoid accidents:

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer

• Know their patterns: Deer are most active from sunset to sunrise when they leave forested areas to search for food and water.
• Use high beams: When no other traffic is present, high-beam headlights can help spot the illuminated eyes of deer along the roadside.
• Expect multiple deer: Deer travel in family groups, so if you see one, slow down immediately as others are likely nearby.
• Slow down and use your horn: One long blast can scare deer away, but continue to slow down since deer may run unpredictably—some accident victims report deer jumping into their vehicles.
• Stay in your lane: Swerving can cause serious accidents with other vehicles.
• Wear safety equipment: Always wear a seatbelt in cars and a helmet on motorcycles.

What to Do After Hitting a Deer

If a collision occurs, apply brakes firmly and come to a controlled stop without swerving. Move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on hazard lights. Do not approach or attempt to move the deer, as injured animals can be dangerous. Call the police to file an accident report and contact your insurance company if your vehicle sustained damage.

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