Police: Watch out for deer MIDDLETOWN - The Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau reminds motorists to watch for deer, particularly from dusk to dawn, on rural and suburban roads, and during fall mating season from October to December. There are more than 15,000 deer-vehicle crashes in New Jersey each year, according to a township press release. A deer crash can happen any time, but half occur from October through December and three-quarters happen from dusk to dawn. Many deer crashes occur on two-lane roads where there's no median. Every year, deer crashes in New Jersey cause million of dollars in vehicle damage, injuries and even deaths. To reduce the risk of having a vehicular accident involving a deer, Middletown police advise: • Slow down. If you see one deer, more may follow. • Don't swerve. If a crash is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane. • Keep headlights clean and aligned. Use high beams when possible. • Always buckle up - it could save your life.