Deer crashes are up this year. These SouthCoast towns are at the top of the list.

The Standard-Times
Updated ·2 min read
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Be cautious while driving down your familiar routes, according to AAA it’s peak season for deer collisions with deer crashes at a record high in Massachusetts.

Between October and December of last year, there were 1,806 deer crashes statewide, the highest number on record since at least 2002, according to a AAA Northeast analysis of crash data available from the state’s IMPACT crash portal. That means during those three months there was a deer crash every 74 minutes.

And Southeastern, Massachusetts, is the state's biggest hotspot for deer crashes. Bristol County alone had 302 deer crashes reported from October to December 2022, while Plymouth County had 312.

Crashes happen most commonly between your evening commute from 6 to 8 p.m. before the time change and 5 to 7 p.m. after the time change.

Two deer take in their surroundings at a field in Dartmouth
Two deer take in their surroundings at a field in Dartmouth

“Deer crashes can occur quickly and in unexpected locations,” said Mark Schieldrop, AAA Northeast senior spokesperson. Crashes were recorded last autumn on roads with speed limits as low as 15 mph and as high as 65 mph. “Drivers need to be especially vigilant this time of year.”

The top Massachusetts towns for deer crashes

  1. Middleboro (48)

  2. Taunton (39)

  3. Westport (29)

  4. Swansea (28)

  5. Rehoboth (22)

  6. East Bridgewater/Seekonk (20)

  7. Freetown (19)

  8. Acushnet/Plymouth/Wareham (18)

AAA tips for avoiding or mitigating deer crashes

Make sure to scan the road in front of you, being aware that a deer may dash out from a shoulder or wooded area.

Remember that deer rarely travel alone, if you see one there may be others.

On dark roadways without oncoming traffic use your high beams.

Swerving can cause a more serious accident, if a crash is unavoidable apply brakes firmly and stay in your lane.

If you spot the animal early enough, a long blast from your horn may frighten the deer away.

Drive the speed limit, wear your seat belt, and stay safe on the roads.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Deer collisions on the rise in the Fall River and New Bedford area