Holiday Traffic & Deer Season: Staying Safe on Pennsylvania Roads This Winter

More cars. Less daylight. More wildlife.

As the holidays arrive, two major seasonal risks collide on Pennsylvania roads: heavy travel and peak deer activity. Whether you’re heading to a family gathering or taking a weekend trip, December brings conditions that demand extra caution.

A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing a life-changing crash.

Plan Your Trip Before You Hit the Road

Holiday crashes often happen for simple reasons: drivers are tired, rushed, or distracted. Before you start your engine, set yourself up for a safer drive:

Choose routes with maximum daylight. Limited visibility is a major factor in winter collisions.
Schedule rest breaks every two hours. Fatigue slows reaction time more than many drivers realize.
Check weather forecasts and avoid peak travel windows when possible.
Prep your vehicle. Inspect your tires, wipers, washer fluid, and fill up before long stretches.
Pack an emergency kit with water, blankets, a flashlight, and a phone charger.

Preventing breakdowns and distractions is one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes, especially during high-volume travel weeks.

Deer Season Is Here: Stay Alert

Late fall and early winter mark the height of deer activity in Pennsylvania, particularly at dawn and dusk. Deer-related crashes spike during this short window each year, and they can happen suddenly.

If a deer crosses your path:

Brake firmly and in a straight line.
Never swerve into oncoming traffic, guardrails, or trees.
Use high beams when safe to improve your visibility.
Expect more deer. They travel in groups. If you see one, slow immediately.

Staying alert, even on familiar roads, can prevent a serious collision.

Expect Heavy Traffic—Drive Calmly and Clearly

The holidays also mean congested highways, packed interstates, and more drivers unfamiliar with local routes. Safe driving etiquette matters now more than ever:

Maintain a safe following distance.
Use proper zipper merges when lanes close.
Give commercial trucks extra room.
Avoid sudden lane changes or brake checks.

And before you shift into drive: set your GPS, turn on Do Not Disturb, and keep all calls hands-free. A text message is never worth your safety.

If a Crash or Deer Strike Happens

Even with preparation, accidents can happen. If they do:

Stay calm.
Pull safely to the side, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 if anyone is injured or traffic is blocked.
Document the scene: photos, damage, road conditions, and witness names.
Do NOT approach an injured deer. It’s dangerous and unpredictable.

Once everyone is safe, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Many injuries develop hours or days after the impact.

After the Crash: Protect Yourself

Notify your insurance company and keep copies of all medical records, repair estimates, and photos. If the collision involves serious injury or significant damage, speaking with an experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you navigate what comes next.

Robert S. Marcus, Attorney at Marcus & Mack

Robert S. Marcus Car Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania

A Season About Connection: Not Collisions

This time of year should be about celebration, not stress. When you plan ahead, stay alert, and drive with care, you protect yourself and everyone sharing the road.

If you’re injured in a crash, Marcus & Mack is here to help you get back on the road to recovery.

Marcus & Mack is proud to help keep Pennsylvania’s roads—and its families—safe.

If you or someone you love is injured in a crash, call 1-800-HURTLINE or visit marcusandmack.com for guidance and support.