If you’re travelling this Thanksgiving weekend, be safe. Remember here in New Jersey, like everywhere, deer are on the move! So I’ve found some driving tips for avoiding a collision with a deer. I also threw in a little information about Jersey deer.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially around dusk and dawn. Jersey deer are either going out to the club (dusk) or returning home from the club (dawn).
Drive at a safe speed, especially in areas with deer warning signs. These signs are strategically placed in areas known to be frequented by wildlife. And New Jersey deer are smart, they don’t want to deal with NJ State Police either, especially on a jaywalking complaint.
If you do come across a deer, firmly apply your brakes. Do not to slam on them or swerve into another lane. While deer collisions are extremely dangerous, drivers losing control of their car to avoid them can be just as deadly. And again these are Jersey deer, they’ll think it’s a game.
Don’t depend on those ultra-sonic whistles. Studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents and Jersey deer say those whistles at 80mph on the Garden State Parkway make for a catchy tune!
Should you see a deer getting ready to cross the road or one that is already in the middle of it, loudly honk your vehicle’s horn. This scares most deer and they’ll quickly make their way back into the woods. Though I don’t think it works on Jersey deer…they’re tough and they’ve got attitude!
Deer in Little Egg Harbor, NJ
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