Your Evening Commute in Maine Now Coincides With Peak Deer Movement

For most people throughout Maine, rolling back the clocks simply means a shift in sunrise and sunset for the next several months.

But another consideration should be how Daylight Savings affects human and wildlife interaction without the wildlife even knowing it.

According to the Maine DOT, we've reached the peak season for automobile and deer collisions in the state. Here are a few things to consider.

Your Morning and Evening Commute in Maine Are More Likely to Feature Deer

For the next few weeks, both your morning and evening commute may feature more deer sightings.

In November and December, deer tend to be more active at both dawn and dusk. With the clocks rolled back, evening commutes will become the most likely interaction point between your car and a deer.

Breeding season for deer has arrived causing them to move around even more than usual. Those extra movements can also be unpredictable.

It's important to slow down whenever you spot a deer near the roadway. Chances are, there may be more deer with the one you've spotted as they like to travel in groups.

What You Should Do If You Collide With a Deer on Maine Roads

Many times, you simply can't avoid a collision with a deer while driving.

The Maine DOT says you should follow a handful of steps in the event of a deer collision with your vehicle that will result in the best possible outcome.

The first is to report any deer collision to the police. Depending on the severity of the collision, you can use the non-emergency line to report it.

If it's safe to exit your vehicle, take photos of any damage and where the collision occurred for insurance purposes.

Call your insurance company and get the ball rolling there.

For the next several weeks, all Mainers on the road in the evening should be extra alert because never have and never will follow traffic laws.