Photo: Nibman, Pexels
The Maine Driver’s License Manual says cars and trucks hit moose and deer in Maine thousands of times every year. Moose crashes peak in May and June, and deer crashes peak in November. This guide covers when and where the risk is highest, what to do if you see a moose on the road, and how to brace if a crash cannot be avoided. Section 11 of the manual covers this, and it can come up on the permit test.
When are moose and deer crashes most likely in Maine?
| Animal | Peak time | What the manual says |
|---|---|---|
| Moose | May and June | Collisions increase dramatically. Autumn crashes are also common. |
| Moose | August to October | Mating season. Use extreme caution if a moose is in or near the road. |
| Deer | Autumn, peaking in November | Breeding season. |
| Both | Dusk to dawn | Most active, as they tend to travel at night. |
Wildlife crashes can happen in all 12 months, at any time of day.
Why moose are so hard to see at night
Deer eyes reflect headlights well. Moose are so much taller that, as the manual puts it, drivers typically won’t see their eyes reflected in the headlights. Dark-colored animals are also very hard to see until they are right in front of you. That gives you less time to react.
What to watch for:
- Deer: eyes reflecting in your lights.
- Moose: a large dark shape or silhouette, often higher than you expect.
How to lower your risk on Maine roads
- Take crossing signs seriously. Maine places moose and deer crossing signs where there are high numbers of animals and where collisions are a problem.
- Expect more than one. Moose and deer often travel in small groups. If one crosses, others may follow.
- Use high beams when you can. The manual says high beams let you see twice as far as low beams. Dim them for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.
- Scan beyond your headlights. Look for dark shapes in or near the road, and glance at the road edges.
- Slow down at night. The manual says headlights let you see clearly only about 250 feet ahead, so above about 50 mph on a dark road you are “driving blind”.
- Leave more space. Add at least a second to your following distance at night, and at least two seconds on unfamiliar roads.
- Skip tinted lenses after dark. No sunglasses or colored lenses at night or on cloudy days.
What to do if a moose is standing in the road
- Slow down.
- Do not try to drive around it.
- Stay in your vehicle. Do not get out to watch it or chase it off the road.
- Give it plenty of room and time to wander off.
The manual warns that moose can be unpredictable and may attack you or your vehicle.
What if a crash is unavoidable?
The manual gives this technique:
- Brake and steer straight.
- Let up on the brakes just before impact. This lets the front of the car rise slightly.
- Try to hit the tail end of the animal. This can lower the chance of it hitting the windshield area and may help you miss it.
- Duck down to protect yourself from windshield debris.
After any crash, see what to do after a car accident.
Rural road habits that help
Night drives on rural Maine roads add other hazards the manual lists:
- Gravel and dirt give less grip, so slow down and leave more space.
- Narrow roads may have ditches or drop-offs instead of shoulders. Center your car in your lane.
- Woods, crops and steep hills can block your view. Slow down and be ready to stop.
- At a single-lane bridge, the first driver to reach it has the right of way.
Scenario: a June evening drive
You are driving home at dusk on a two-lane road through woods and pass a moose crossing sign. It is peak moose season and peak moose time of day. Drop your speed, use high beams if there is no oncoming traffic, and scan the road edges for a tall dark shape. If a moose steps out, brake and steer straight. Do not swerve around it.
Common questions
What are the two peak moose collision months in Maine?
May and June. This is one of the practice questions in Section 11 of the manual.
When are deer collisions highest in Maine?
In autumn, peaking in November.
Should I swerve to avoid a moose?
The manual says brake and steer straight if a crash is imminent, and not to try to drive around a moose standing in the road.
Can I get out to move a moose off the road?
No. Stay in your car and give it time. Getting out puts you and other drivers at risk.
What time of day is most dangerous?
Dusk to dawn, when moose and deer are most active.
Do high beams help?
Yes, when there is no oncoming traffic. They let you see twice as far as low beams.
Main guide: learning to drive in Maine. Related: Maine 70 hour driving log (plan your 10 night hours) and Maine permit test.
Sources
- Maine Department of the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Maine Driver’s License Manual” Rev 11/23, Section 8 (Speed Limits) and Section 11 (Night Driving, Rural Roads, Wildlife Safety) (www1.maine.gov)