Delaware Drivers Advised to Increase Caution to Prevent Deer Collisions

State of DE - As daylight hours decrease with the coming of fall, Delaware drivers can expect more encounters with white-tailed deer on the roads. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), and the Delaware State Police (DSP) are advising motorists to adopt safe driving habits now, as deer activity will increase in the coming weeks.

Deer mating season, known as the rut, typically occurs from mid-October through late November. During this period, male deer, or bucks, will chase females, or does, often leading them across roadways. DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist Sam Millman explained the behavior.

"With rut activity approaching, bucks (males) chasing does (females) will soon begin repeatedly crossing Delaware roadways, unaware of the danger they pose to themselves and to motorists," said Millman. "That's why starting in early October, we remind Delaware drivers to take extra precautions, especially when traveling on dark backroads and roadways lined by woodlands and forests, where white-tailed deer are more likely to cross."

Statistics from the OHS show that deer-related crashes happen most frequently between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to midnight. In 2025, there have been over 923 deer-related incidents to date. Data from 2020 to 2024 indicates that October, November, and December account for 47% of all deer-vehicle collisions in the state.

The average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs about 140 pounds. A collision with an animal of this size can cause significant vehicle damage and potential injury to occupants.

"During deer mating season, drivers must stay alert and avoid distractions such as using a cellphone while driving," said Sharon Bryson, director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. "Staying focused on the road helps you react quickly if a deer crosses unexpectedly. We urge everyone to take extra care to arrive alive."

In 2024, Delaware State Police investigated 1,993 animal-related collisions, with 1,873 (94%) involving deer. Of those, 912 occurred during the October-to-December mating season.

"As we enter this year's deer mating season, Delaware drivers should be aware that nearly all of DSP's animal-related crashes in 2024 involved deer," said Lieutenant India Sturgis, Director of Public Information for the Delaware State Police. "Of those crashes, more than 900 occurred during the time of year when deer are most active. These numbers show how quickly deer activity can impact road safety. Drivers can reduce their risk by slowing down, staying alert at dawn and dusk and using high beams when it is safe to do so. Taking these steps will not eliminate every danger, but they can make the difference between a close call and a serious crash."

DNREC, OHS, and DSP recommend the following safety measures:

• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Reduce speed at night, on curves, and in poor weather conditions.
• Use high beams on dark roads when there is no oncoming traffic.
• Slow down in areas with "Deer Crossing" signs.
• If one deer is seen, expect more to be nearby.
• If you see a deer, slow down and sound your horn with one long blast. Do not rely on devices like deer whistles, as they have not been proven effective.
• Do not swerve to avoid a deer; brake firmly and stay in your lane.
• If a collision occurs, pull the vehicle off the road, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 if there are injuries. Do not approach or touch the animal.

For additional information on road safety, visit the Arrive Alive DE website. Information on white-tailed deer is available on the DNREC website.