DOVER, Del. — As daylight fades earlier each day, Delaware drivers are being urged to stay alert for white-tailed deer that are increasingly active on the state’s roads during the fall months.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, and the Delaware State Police are reminding motorists that shorter days mean darker commutes and more deer crossings, particularly during the predawn and dusk hours. “With rut activity approaching, bucks chasing does will soon begin repeatedly crossing Delaware roadways, unaware of the danger they pose to themselves and to motorists,” said Sam Millman, a biologist with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. “That’s why starting in early October, we remind Delaware drivers to take extra precautions, especially when traveling on dark backroads and wooded routes.”
The rut, or deer mating season, typically runs from mid to late October through December. Officials say collisions are already being reported and that cautious driving now can help prevent more serious crashes later this fall. According to DNREC, an average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs about 140 pounds, though some large bucks can exceed 200 pounds. A collision with an animal of that size can cause severe injuries, total a vehicle, or create additional hazards for other drivers.
Data from the Delaware Office of Highway Safety shows that most deer-related crashes occur between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to midnight. So far in 2025, more than 923 deer-related crashes have been reported statewide. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly half of all vehicle-deer collisions in Delaware occurred in October, November, and December. “During deer mating season, drivers must stay alert and avoid distractions such as using a cellphone,” said OHS Director Sharon Bryson. “Staying focused helps you react quickly if a deer crosses unexpectedly. We urge everyone to take extra care to arrive alive.” Delaware State Police reported that 94 percent of all animal-related collisions in 2024 involved deer, with 912 of those crashes occurring during 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. Slowing down, staying alert at dawn and dusk, and using high beams when it is safe can make the difference between a close call and a serious crash.”
Officials from DNREC, OHS, and DSP recommend the following safety tips:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Slow down at night, on curves, and during bad weather.
- Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic to help spot deer eyes along the roadside.
- Be alert in areas marked with “Deer Crossing” signs.
- Expect more than one deer, as they often travel in groups.
- If you see a deer, slow down and honk your horn with one long blast to scare it off.
- Never swerve to avoid a deer; brake firmly and stay in your lane.
- If a crash occurs, move your vehicle out of the roadway if possible, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Do not touch an injured deer, as it may bite or kick.
For more information on roadway safety, visit www.arrivealivede.com.
For details about Delaware’s white-tailed deer population, visit de.gov/deer.
