Vehicle accident claims related to deer have increased 37.4 percent in New Jersey over the past three years, according to AAA insurance.

Deer Crossing
Flickr User TooFarNorth
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This is the time of year when deer are especially active, darting across highways and chasing one another during mating season.

The average amount of a New Jersey deer-car claim is about $2,160.

Top NJ counties in which an AAA Insurance claim was filed for an animal struck by a vehicle  (20 counties total where AAA had claims):

  1. Camden
  2. Middlesex
  3. Gloucester
  4. Ocean
  5. Burlington

"If a deer-vehicle collision is unavoidable, don't swerve out of your lane or lose control of your vehicle,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Other tips from AAA

Be observant. Look for deer-crossing signs indicating areas where deer frequently travel. Deer are creatures of habit and may often use the same path again.

Be alert. A deer standing near a roadside may suddenly run across the road. Slow down and use your horn to scare the deer. Use high-beams for greater visibility.

Look for groups. Deer are herd animals, so if one is present, more are likely nearby.

Never swerve. Instead, slow down and brake. Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and strike another vehicle or object along the roadway.

Use your horn. There is no conclusive evidence that hood-mounted deer whistles and other such devices work. Use your horn instead to scare the deer.

Buckle up and do not speed. Lower speed will increase your reaction time.

 

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