MOORE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Monroe County man died Monday after his motorcycle struck a deer in the township, officials said.
Charles Eppinger, 65, of Saylorsburg, was riding in the 2700 block of Mountain View Drive at 2:42 p.m. when the incident occurred, Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said in a release.
The crash took place in Northampton County, but Eppinger died in the emergency department at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg, an hour later, Buglio said.
Buglio said Eppinger’s cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries due to the crash, and noted he was wearing a helmet.
Both the coroner’s office and the Moore Township Police Department are investigating.
Deer collisions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in the United States for deer-related vehicle collisions.
According to State Farm's 2024 data, drivers in Pennsylvania have a 1 in 61 chance of hitting an animal, primarily deer, placing the state fourth nationally in collision risk.
The insurance provider said a paved, rural road with little traffic is a common scenario to hit wildlife. Results from a survey indicated 30% to 50% of drivers had accidents during those conditions.
In 2023, PennDOT reported 6,315 deer-related crashes in the state, resulting in 1,223 injuries and 23 fatalities.
Remember these safety tips from PennDOT to avoid deer collisions:
- Stay Alert: Be vigilant, especially in areas marked with deer crossing signs
- Reduce Speed: Slow down, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer are most active
- Use High Beams: When driving at night, use high beams when there's no oncoming traffic to better spot deer
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road and avoid using mobile devices
- Don't Swerve: If a collision seems imminent, brake firmly and stay in your lane instead of swerving, which can lead to more severe accidents
