PHOTOS: Hudson Valley Crash Shows Growth of Deer Danger

With multiple fire departments in Orange County, NY recently observing an increase in motor vehicle accidents, it seems that the last thing the Hudson Valley needs is another thing to worry about on the roads. Unfortunately, a driver in Middletown saw first hand how the current season can turn a routine trip into an emergency in a matter of moments.

Both the Middletown Fire Department and Cronomer Valley Fire Department in the Town of Newburgh, NY have taken to social media in recent weeks to share responses to multiple motor vehicle accidents. While many could be attributed to human error, the most recent accident, the MFD shared, involved an animal that is increasingly dangerous as the year progresses.

Deer Causes Serious Crash in Middletown, NY

The Middletown Fire Department reported an accident in the early hours of Sunday, November 23rd. The following investigation revealed that the crash, which ultimately destroyed a utility poll and left the vehicle on its side (below), was caused when the driver attempted to avoid hitting a deer. Experts share that there's a specific reason to expect increased danger from deer this month.

Increased New York Deer Danger in November

Deer are more active during dawn and dusk, and unfortunately for many Americans, Daylight Saving Time can spell disaster if they live in deer country. Clocks turning back in the beginning of November means that the sun sets "earlier", making the chances of deer and evening commuters interacting even higher... for now.

Why Deer Are More Active After Daylight Saving Ends

Experts also say that the chances of accidents involving deer return to their normal levels several weeks after Daylight Saving Time ends, when deer become accustomed to the "new" human pattern. Luckily, there's a recommended strategy in the unfortunate instance that a crash with a deer (or any animal) is inevitable.

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If a deer, raccoon, or any other animal is encountered on a roadway, experts say the safest thing to do is to not swerve, as it increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle. The best course of action is to apply the brakes and continue on the road. While drivers may still hit the animal, the result is more often safer than the alternative.