DEC is reminding New Yorkers that turtles are nesting in May and June and encourages motorists to ‘give turtles a brake.’ In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year by unsuspecting drivers when turtles cross roads to find nesting areas.
Drivers who see a turtle on the road are encouraged to slow down to avoid hitting it with their vehicle. If the vehicle can safely stop and drivers are able to safely do so, motorists should consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing.