Monroe, Ontario county among top 10 for animal crashes

New York – According to a AAA study, Monroe County and Ontario County have ranked in the top ten for animal crashes in 2020.

AAA analyzed data and found that October, November, and December are by far the peak months for animal crashes, notably deer, in the Empire State.

There were 33,956 animal-related crashes statewide in 2020, according to the company. The number is equivalent to one animal-related crash every 16 minutes.

Out of the top ten counties for animal crashes, Ontario County was ranked 5th with 1,206 crashes. Jefferson County was ranked 8th with 1,142 crashes. The full list is as follows:

• Orange: 1,427

• Suffolk: 1,311

• Monroe: 1,310

• Oneida: 1,279

• Ontario: 1,206

• St. Lawrence: 1,196

• Ulster: 1,143

• Jefferson: 1,142

• Dutchess: 1,015

• Onondaga: 970

AAA released several tips for drivers to stay safe during the fall season. The company advised drivers to be extra cautious after dark since deer crashes often occur outside of daylight hours, commonly during the early morning and evening once it gets dark.

it’s important that drivers pay close attention to the road to avoid crashes.

“Drivers should always be on the lookout for hazards on the road, but the danger of deer increases every fall,” the Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York Eliza-beth Carey said. “car-deer collisions can be both deadly and costly. Drivers should pay close attention, avoid distractions and scan the road for deer when traveling on area roadways.”

If drivers cannot avoid a crash they should apply their brakes and remain in their lane. This reaction will avoid a possibly more serious crash.