Motorists should be on lookout for deer: Thruway authority

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

It’s that time of year again. New York authorities are warning motorists to watch out for deer on the roads as the mating season heats up.

The Thruway Authority and state police sent out their annual “Antler Alert” on Monday, saying most collisions with deer happen from October through December.

With deer more active and on the move, drivers should keep their heads on a swivel, checking the shoulders of roads for the animals and avoiding distractions to stay alert.

Troopers say there were more than 2,200 collisions between vehicles and deer last year on the Thruway alone.

One of their tips: Don’t swerve to avoid a deer. That can spook the animals onto the roadway and can lead to collisions with other vehicles or losing control. Just hit the brakes.