Delaware’s deer are on the move and drivers are urged to be on high alert.
As white-tailed deer enter peak mating season, bucks are chasing does across highways and backroads, increasing the risk of collisions. With daylight fading earlier each evening, state officials warn that the coming weeks are among the most dangerous for deer-related crashes. They provided tips on how to stay safe.
According to Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, an average white-tailed deer weighs around 140 pounds. Colliding with an animal of that size is roughly equivalent to hitting a washing machine. These impacts can total vehicles, cause serious injuries and endanger other motorists.
Deer rut, or mating season, runs from about mid to late October through late November and into December. State officials say collisions are already happening and want drivers to develop habits now to be better prepared when deer activity surges.
As the deer breeding season gets going, the number of crashes with deer likely will rise. Crashes with deer can be deadly, for man and beast.
Tips to avoid hitting deer
Data from the Office of Highway Safety shows that most deer-vehicle collisions occur during the early morning and evening hours, particularly between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and again between 5 p.m. and midnight.
So far in 2025, Delaware has more than 923 deer-related crashes. From 2020 to 2024, nearly half of all such incidents happened between October and December. Last year, Delaware State Police investigated 1,993 animal-related collisions, and 94% involved deer. Of those, more than 900 crashes happened during deer mating season.
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Authorities are offering several tips to help drivers stay safe during this active time of year:
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Reduce speed at night, on curves and in bad weather.
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Use high beams when possible to spot deer eyes along the roadside.
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Heed “Deer Crossing” signs and slow down in those areas.
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Expect company: if one deer runs out, others are usually close behind.
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Hit your horn with a long blast if deer are near the road. Don’t rely on deer whistles or reflectors, which have not been proven effective.
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Never swerve to avoid a deer. Brake firmly and stay in your lane to prevent hitting another vehicle or object.
If you hit a deer, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 if there are any injuries. Avoid touching the animal, as injured deer can be unpredictable and dangerous.
For more roadway safety information, visit www.arrivealivede.com. To learn more about Delaware’s white-tailed deer population, go to de.gov/deer
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware officials urge drivers to be alert during deer mating season
