Roadway Collisions With Animals Not Uncommon, Police Say

Motor vehicle collisions with animals such as deer annually account for a number of accidents in the area, police said, such as one that occurred Thursday 

“We’ve had 150 this year,” said traffic safety Sgt. Chris Dudzik of the Toms River Police Department. “In the state of New Jersey this year, there were a total of 4,500.”

The sergeant mentioned that the area of Whitesville Road, which borders both residential and wooded areas, was a common scene for these types of collisions. “It’s a popular spot, we’ve had 25 there (this year),” said the sergeant.

Dudzik explained that there are local areas where it’s not heavily-populated and more wooded, and being that December ends the mating season for deer, more of them are out and about.

The traffic safety sergeant added that in the case of a collision where an animal is still alive after the crash, police will humanely put down the animal as needed and make sure that it’s not impeding the roadway. Authorities also will secure state assistance in removing the bodies of dead animals from the roadside.

“There is actually one guy for the whole of state of New Jersey who helps to dispose of animal carcasses from roadside collisions,” Dudzik said.

Chief Michael Mastronardy said collisions have been occurring, but said that he didn’t know whether there has necessarily been an increase.

“We’ve had them in different parts of town: wooded areas, over by the Ocean County Mall, Church Road, Fischer Boulevard, Route 37 West, and Whitesville Road,” said Mastronardy.