Why Deer Collisions Surge Each November — and How Permanent Daylight Saving Time Could Change It

Every November, when South Carolinians “fall back” and darkness arrives an hour earlier, another danger quietly rises on our roads — deer collisions. A study published in the journal Current Biology found that the switch from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time leads to a 16% increase in deer-vehicle crashes during the week after the clocks change.

Deer Collisions in South Carolina: A Growing Concern

South Carolina reflects this national trend. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), a “typical year” once saw about 2,500 to 3,000 deer-related crashes, but recent years have shown a sharp increase. The 2023 Traffic Collision Fact Book reports that accidents involving deer accounted for 6,514 collisions in 2023, representing approximately 4.5% of all reported collisions statewide. This sustained rise — nearly double the historical average — underscores how seasonal patterns, traffic volumes, and time changes continue to make deer-vehicle collisions a serious and growing safety concern across South Carolina.

Why the Risk Increases

Drivers should be cautious of roaming white-tailed deer year-round, but especially during the rut, or breeding season, from October through November. Studies show that nearly half of all deer-vehicle collisions occur during this period, when deer move more frequently and unpredictably.

Most crashes happen at dawn and dusk, when deer are active and visibility is poor — the same hours many South Carolinians are commuting. When Daylight Saving Time ends, rush-hour traffic suddenly overlaps with the deer’s peak activity, creating a perfect storm.

It’s not just bad luck — a few predictable factors make collisions far more likely once the clocks change:

• Deer Behavior: Deer don’t adjust their clocks — they remain active at dusk regardless of human time changes.

• Increased Traffic: The evening commute is one of the busiest times for drivers, increasing the odds of a collision.

• The Rut: During mating season, deer activity levels can rise by as much as 50%, especially among the white-tailed deer common across South Carolina and the East Coast.

“We believe that this fall spike really happens due to the overlap of these two factors: the breeding season and the change from daylight saving time back to standard time. We don’t see a corresponding shift in deer-vehicle collisions in the spring during the other time change, and we believe that’s in part because spring is not a breeding season for deer. . . The timing could not be worse.” 

Laura Prugh, an associate professor of quantitative wildlife sciences at the University of Washington 

In South Carolina, collisions with deer and other large animals cause thousands of crashes each year. Even at moderate speeds, these accidents can cause serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, and emotional trauma.

How Permanent Daylight Saving Time Could Help

Researchers estimate that keeping Daylight Saving Time year-round could prevent 33 deaths and 2,054 injuries each year, saving about $1.19 billion in collision-related costs nationwide. By contrast, adopting permanent Standard Time would likely increase deer-vehicle collisions by 5.1%, adding an estimated 73,660 crashes, 66 additional deaths, and $2.39 billion in annual costs.

That data has reignited national debate about whether to “lock the clock.” The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 (S. 29 in the Senate and H.R. 139 in the House) proposes making Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. The Senate unanimously passed a similar bill in 2022, but it never cleared the House.

Update (October 30, 2025): According to a recent report by The Hill, an effort to fast-track the Sunshine Protection Act once again stalled in Congress. Lawmakers attempted to advance the bill this fall, but the measure was thwarted before reaching a full vote. For now, the issue remains in limbo, and both versions of the bill remain pending in committee. Until Congress acts, states cannot adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time on their own under the federal Uniform Time Act.

Safety Tips from SCDNR

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers the following defensive-driving tips for avoiding deer collisions:

• Stay alert and slow down. White-tailed deer often bolt in front of oncoming vehicles when startled.

• If you spot a deer far ahead, sound your horn several times, flick your headlights (if no oncoming traffic), and reduce speed.

• If a deer is close, avoid honking or flashing lights, as it may spook the animal into crossing. Instead, slow down steadily.

• Expect company. If one deer crosses, assume others are nearby.

• Avoid swerving. Most serious injuries occur when drivers lose control and hit trees or embankments. If a collision is imminent, it’s usually safer to hit the deer than to risk losing control.

• Note deer-crossing signs. They indicate high-risk zones but not specific trails. Be especially alert near creek bottoms, agricultural fields, and woodlands.

• Use caution on rural or secondary roads, which have higher deer-collision rates due to curves and narrow shoulders.

What to Do After a Deer Collision

If you hit a deer or wreck because of a deer, report the incident to the S.C. Highway Patrol or local law enforcement and notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

If you or your passengers are hurt in a deer-related crash, the coverage that applies will depend on how the accident happened and who, if anyone, was at fault. Understanding how insurance coverage works after a deer collision can help you protect yourself — and your passengers — long before an accident happens. 

Injuries and Insurance Coverage After a Deer Collision

Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage can help pay medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. This coverage is especially helpful in unavoidable accidents, such as when you strike a deer.

If another driver’s negligence — such as tailgating, speeding, or swerving — causes or worsens the collision, you may have a personal injury claim against that driver’s liability carrier for your injuries and vehicle damage. In that case, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If damages exceed their policy limits, your Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage can help bridge the gap.

If you were a passenger and the driver of your vehicle caused the crash — for example, by losing control after hitting a deer or another car — that driver’s bodily injury liability coverage may pay for your injuries, medical bills, and other related losses.

Additional Vehicle Coverage

• Comprehensive coverage (also called “other-than-collision”) applies if you hit a deer or another animal.

• Collision coverage may apply if you hit another vehicle, tree, or guardrail while trying to avoid a deer.

Stay Safe on the Roads This Fall

As South Carolinians enjoy the beauty of fall, it’s important to stay alert behind the wheel — especially during the weeks following the time change. Slowing down, staying focused, and understanding deer behavior can make all the difference in preventing a crash.

At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve our community by helping injured drivers and families recover after serious accidents. Whether it’s a deer collision or another driver’s negligence, we investigate every detail — from lighting conditions to driver behavior — to make sure our clients recover the full value of their case.

Our team is committed to fighting for the full value of your case — because your safety, recovery, and peace of mind matter most. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision this season, contact us today to learn how we can help.