PENNSYLVANIA — With autumn underway and hunting season approaching, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and its safety partners are reminding drivers to be alert for deer near area roadways.
PennDOT reports there were 6,309 deer-related crashes across Pennsylvania in 2025, resulting in 1,408 injuries and 11 fatalities.
In PennDOT District 1, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties, there were 513 deer-related crashes last year. That was the lowest total in the region since 2022, when 484 crashes were reported.
There were no fatalities resulting from deer-related crashes in the northwestern region in 2025, the first year since 2021 that the region recorded zero deaths from such crashes.
“Due to Pennsylvania’s sizable wildlife population, drivers are likely to encounter deer during their commute and should expect the unexpected,” said Mike Tautin, a Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator with the Highway Safety Network. “While drivers can’t always predict when a deer will cross in front of them, they can reduce their chances of being in a crash by slowing down and remaining alert, especially where deer crossing signs are posted.”
Deer are most active between sunset and sunrise as they search for food, and they often travel in small herds. PennDOT advises drivers to use extra caution during morning and evening travel.
PennDOT recommends increasing the following distance between vehicles and making new drivers aware of increased deer activity and common crossing areas. Drivers should also remain alert for additional deer after one crosses the roadway.
Other recommendations include always wearing a seat belt, never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and turning headlights on whenever windshield wipers are being used to improve visibility.
Drivers involved in a deer-related crash should assess the situation and determine whether local authorities need to be contacted.
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