These are the top towns, counties you could hit a deer, AAA warns

Be careful when driving through Massachusetts at dusk now through December, as that’s prime time to hit a deer, warns AAA Northeast.

AAA Northeast analyzed car crash data for 2022 and discovered that most crashes with deer in the state happen between October and December and especially from 6-8 p.m., moving back an hour after Daylight Saving time.

According to a AAA press release, there were 1,806 deer crashes in that window last year, happening regardless of people’s driving speed.

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“Deer crashes can occur quickly and in unexpected locations,” said Mark Schieldrop, AAA Northeast senior spokesperson. “Drivers need to be especially vigilant this time of year.”

AAA reports the top Massachusetts communities for deer crashes from October-December 2022 are:

1. Middleborough (48)

2. Taunton (39)

3. Westport (29)

4. Swansea (28)

5. Rehoboth (22)

6. East Bridgewater / Seekonk (tied at 20)

8. Freetown (19)

9. Acushnet / Plymouth / Wareham (tied at 18)

The top Massachusetts counties for deer crashes from October-December 2022 are:

1. Plymouth County (312)

2. Bristol County (302)

3. Worcester County (283)

4. Middlesex County (225)

5. Essex County (134)

There are some things you can do to avoid or soften the blow if you come across a deer on the road. AAA offers these tips:

· Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you; deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.

· Follow the speed limit; keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.

· Be careful rounding curves and climbing hills where visibility is limited.

· One long blast on your horn may frighten animals away from your car if you notice them early enough.

· If you spy one deer, look out for others; deer rarely travel alone.

· Use your high beams along dark roadways if there is no oncoming traffic.

· If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and try to remain in your lane and avoid other vehicles; swerving sharply can cause an even more serious crash.

· Wear your seatbelt; your chances of being injured in a deer crash are significantly higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on.

· If a crash occurs, move the vehicle to a safe location if possible and report the incident to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075, according to the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

· Contact your insurance company to report any damage to your car. Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely and without entering the roadway. Damage to the car from animal crashes generally falls under a driver’s comprehensive coverage, AAA says.

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