Mid-Atlantic – As winter settles in across the Mid-Atlantic and daylight hours remain limited, drivers across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia are being warned about a regional danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to wildlife and transportation agencies across the region, winter conditions force animals to change their movement patterns, bringing them closer to roads and highways—often during evening and early morning hours when visibility is lowest. Shorter days mean more drivers are traveling in darkness just as wildlife activity increases.
White-tailed deer are the primary concern across all six states, with especially high collision rates reported along suburban corridors, rural highways, and major commuter routes. In Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and western Maryland, wooded terrain and mountainous roads increase the risk. In New Jersey, New York, and northern Virginia, collisions frequently occur near suburban neighborhoods, parklands, and greenbelts that border busy roadways.
Wildlife biologists note that winter alters feeding behavior, causing animals to move earlier in the evening and later in the morning. This overlap with commute times significantly increases the likelihood of crashes. Deer often travel in groups, meaning multiple animals may cross roadways within seconds.
Transportation officials across the Mid-Atlantic urge drivers to slow down in areas marked with wildlife crossing signs and remain especially alert between sunset and sunrise. High beams should be used when possible, but drivers are cautioned not to swerve suddenly to avoid animals, as that can lead to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles—particularly on high-speed highways.
Drivers are also encouraged to scan roadsides carefully near wooded areas, open fields, river corridors, and less-developed stretches of road. Officials stress that if one animal is spotted near the roadway, others may be nearby.
As winter continues and nights remain long, officials say wildlife-related crashes will remain a serious regional risk across the Mid-Atlantic. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
