Drivers are being urged to stay alert as deer mating season gets underway and the risk of collisions continues to rise.

AAA says deer activity increases significantly in the fall, raising the chances of dangerous encounters on area roadways.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1.5 million crashes involving live animals were reported nationwide between 2020 and 2024.

In New Jersey, a record 11,692 deer crashes occurred in 2025, an increase of nearly 2% over the previous record set in 2024, according to state crash data from Numetric. Between 2020 and 2025, deer crashes totaled 64,780 in the Garden State, with more than 4,252 resulting in an injury and 15 resulting in a fatality.

AAA says Monmouth County had the most accidents overall but Raritan Township in Hunterdon County had the most for any specific town with 165.

In New York, more than 32,500 deer crashes were reported in 2024.

Connecticut also saw a record year, with UConn's Crash Data Repository reporting 1,179 deer-related crashes statewide.

AAA says drivers face the greatest risk during morning and evening commutes, with nearly half of all deer crashes occurring between 6 and 10 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m.

Safety experts recommend scanning road shoulders and wooded areas for deer that may suddenly enter the roadway.

Drivers are also encouraged to obey speed limits, which can provide valuable reaction time if an animal appears.

If a deer enters the road, AAA warns drivers not to swerve. Experts say striking a tree, utility pole or another vehicle is often more dangerous than hitting the animal.

If a crash does occur, drivers should contact their insurance company to report any damage.