Oh deer: Crashes with animals are most frequent in Middleboro

MIDDLEBORO -- Deer are more likely to be struck by vehicles in Middleboro than in any other Massachusetts community, according to AAA Northeast.

Seventy-seven deer strikes were reported in Middleboro in 2025.

Although crashes can happen any time, drivers are warned to be especially cautious this time of year.

Driven by the call of mating season, the deer tend to be especially active from September through December, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reports.

They are both active and single-minded during this period. Deer will often focus only on where they want to go, regardless of any particular hazards.

This makes the animals particular vulnerable to being struck by vehicles. Nearly half of all deer crashes happen during this period, with the highest number reported between 6 and 8 p.m., Mass Wildlife reports.

 AAA suggests the following steps to reduce the chance of deer crashes.

Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you. Deer may dash out from wooded areas

adjacent to the road.

Obey the speed limit. Lower speeds will give a driver more time to react to unexpected

animal movement.

Sound the horn with one long blast if you notice animals early enough. The sound may

frighten them away.

Apply the brakes if a collision is unavoidable to lessen the force of the crash.

And although no one wants to strike a deer, sometimes that can be the safest option for drivers who cannot avoid the animals, AAA Northeast advised.

Crash data from 2020 to 2025 shows that the odds of being injured in a crash increased when drivers took evasive action. When drivers struck deer directly, injuries were reported in just over 3 percent of crashes.

When drivers swerved and struck another vehicle, a tree, pole, guardrail or other object, the injury rate climbed to more than 19 percent.

Awareness is the best way to avoid this situation. Be mindful, go slow and don’t forget to check out the shoulder of the road.