Large, Unique Danger For Driver In Upstate New York

How alert are you when you are driving on the Thruway or the back roads around New York State? It seems there are more distractions than ever for drivers. As the fall and winter months approach us, there is a unique warning from officials for those who drive in the Empire State.

I love the fall in New York State. I love the leaves the cool air and I enjoy hunting as well. I have three kids and it makes it more difficult to get to the deer stand than previous seasons. But I do get out occasionally. It's a special time of the year as the deer and the moose are on the move.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Environmental Conservation are reminding drivers to keep a close eye out for moose and deer while they're traveling.

Fall is also the breeding season for moose in New York State. Recently, moose populations and moose-vehicle collisions have increased slightly in New York.

Working in morning radio, we hear about deer related accidents all the time in the fall. What can you do if it happens? First, make sure you are ok and not injured. Call the state police or local police and make sure that you have your insurance company's number or information.

What's the average cost of the damage to a motor vehicle when one hits a deer?

Hitting a deer can be costly. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost nationwide of deer-crash insurance claims was $4,135 in 2015.