<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=32OUCn_1GpW2URk00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=32OUCn_1GpW2URk00" width="1500" height="1000" ></figure>PITTSBURGH, Pa. (EYT) — With deer activity increasing across Pennsylvania, AAA is urging motorists to remain alert after new research found that more than one-third of deer-vehicle collisions occur during October and November.The findings, released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, highlight the dangers of animal-related crashes, particularly on rural roads where darkness, higher speed limits and wildlife activity can create hazardous driving conditions.According to the study, which examined national crash data from 2020 through 2024, more than 1.7 million police-reported crashes involving animals occurred across the United States during that five-year period.Those crashes resulted in nearly 50,000 injuries and approximately 300 deaths, averaging about 350,000 reported crashes annually.In Pennsylvania alone, more than 6,300 deer-related crashes were reported in 2025, resulting in 11 fatalities, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data cited by AAA.Researchers found that most animal-related crashes in Pennsylvania occurred in rural areas, during darkness and on roads with posted speed limits of 45 mph or higher.“This research shows that fall is a particularly hazardous time to be on the roads, especially in rural areas, and motorists need to exercise extreme caution,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA East Central.“While these types of crashes might not always be avoidable, motorists should remember to wear a seat belt, remain alert, awake, and sober.”The research also found that many fatal animal-related crashes involved more than simply striking an animal.In numerous cases, drivers were involved in secondary collisions, including striking trees, hitting other vehicles, or rolling over.AAA said those findings suggest that suddenly swerving to avoid a deer can sometimes create a more dangerous situation than the initial collision.However, researchers noted that the same guidance may not apply in every situation, particularly when motorists encounter larger animals such as elk or moose.The study also highlighted the risks to motorcyclists, who accounted for nearly half of all fatalities in animal-related crashes despite most injuries occurring among occupants of cars and trucks.AAA recommends that drivers pay particular attention during the early morning and evening hours, when deer are most active.Deer activity is especially common between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., coinciding with commuting hours for many motorists.Drivers should also watch for deer crossing signs, avoid distractions, and use high-beam headlights when conditions allow and no oncoming traffic is present.Motorists who spot one deer should slow down and remain alert, as additional deer may be nearby.If a deer suddenly enters the roadway, AAA advises drivers to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and avoid making sudden lane changes or swerving into oncoming traffic.The organization also recommends easing off the brake if a collision becomes unavoidable, explaining that hard braking can lower the front of a vehicle and increase the risk of an animal striking the windshield.Following a deer collision, motorists should contact police, activate their hazard lights, and move their vehicle to a safe location away from traffic if possible.Drivers should avoid approaching or touching an injured animal, as frightened or wounded wildlife can be dangerous.AAA also recommends contacting an insurance provider as soon as possible to report vehicle damage.With deer activity remaining high throughout the fall, motorists traveling rural highways and back roads across northwestern Pennsylvania are encouraged to reduce their speed and remain especially attentive during low-light conditions.</div></body>

Block Source: explorejeffersonpa.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (EYT) — With deer activity increasing across Pennsylvania, AAA is urging motorists to remain alert after new research found that more than one-third of deer-vehicle collisions occur during October and November. The findings, released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, highlight the dangers of animal-related crashes,...

AAA Urges Caution as Deer Collision Risk Rises Across Pennsylvania

NewsBreak

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (EYT) — With deer activity increasing across Pennsylvania, AAA is urging motorists to remain alert after new research found that more than 

AAA Urges Caution as Deer Collision Risk Rises Across Pennsylvania

Comments