COLUMBUS – The number of deer-vehicle collisions continues to decline in Ohio, but the cost of repairing damaged vehicles is on the rise.
To say nothing of what those collisions cost the deer.
Peak deer mating season starts in October and, although the number of reported deer-vehicle crashes are down, the average collision claim nationwide is expected to rise six percent this year to $4,135, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute.
Tips for avoiding deer-vehicle collisions
The industry group estimates the 19,705 deer-vehicle crashes reported by the Ohio Department of Public Safety in 2014 resulted in nearly $77 million worth of claims. The number of crashes was down 2.5 percent from the 20,201 crashes in 2013. There were 20,999 crashes reported in 2012.
Higher repair costs may be responsible for the upward trend in prices. Repair costs can vary widely, depending on factors like vehicle make and model, the speed upon impact and the area of the vehicle that sustained the damage, said Mary Bonelli the institute’s senior Vice President of Public Information.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the most expensive vehicles to repair after a collision with a deer are the Hyundai Elantra GT, the Toyota Prius c hybrid and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport four-wheel drive SUV.
The least expensive are the Jeep Wrangler 2-door and 4-door four-wheel drive SUVs, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab pickup and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The OII estimates an Ohio driver’s odds of hitting a deer at about 1 in 131, 20th highest in the nation. Nationwide, the odds are about 1 in 169.
Bonelli says most deer-vehicle crashes occur at dusk and dawn during deer-breeding season from October through December.
In November 2014, there were 4,142 crashes on Ohio roadways, making it the peak month for such collisions.
According to data from the state departments of Public Safety Natural Resources, the peak hours for the crashes were from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., Bonelli said.
Bonelli says, under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of it by first obtaining a deer possession receipt from a law enforcement agency, state wildlife officers, or from local Division of Wildlife district offices.