If you're cruising through the Garden State this fall, you might want to keep your eyes peeled for more than just traffic. New Jersey officials are sounding the alarm: mating season for white-tailed deer is officially in full swing, and the bucks are on the prowl. The state's Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) dropped a warning on Friday, telling commuters to be extra careful during morning and evening hours. This period, known as the "fall rut," runs from mid-October all the way through mid-December. Basically, the deer are distracted by their mission to court does, which makes them way less likely to look both ways before crossing the street. ## The risk is real Dave Golden, an assistant commissioner for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, didn't mince words about the dangers. "Collisions with deer pose a very serious safety threat and can cause significant damage to vehicles and possible loss of life," he said. It’s a massive issue—about 25,000 accidents involving deer happen in New Jersey every year. Across the border in New York, the numbers are even wilder, with an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 annual collisions. The vibes are officially off for anyone trying to commute during the "rut." ## Why it gets worse soon Things are lowkey about to get even hairier. Once daylight savings time ends on November 1, more people will be driving during the peak hours when these deer are most active. To stay safe, the experts suggest: * Drive a little slower than usual. * Pay attention to those "Deer Crossing" signs. * Use your high beams at night to spot them earlier. With an estimated 100,000 white-tailed deer roaming around Jersey—especially in suburban areas—it's highkey important to stay focused. Don't let a buck ruin your week; stay alert out there. ## Why it matters Deer-vehicle collisions are a major safety hazard that spikes significantly during the fall mating season. With 25,000 accidents per year in New Jersey alone, staying vigilant on the road is essential for avoiding costly damage or worse.