COLUMBUS – It’s deer season – on the roads – and Ohio drivers are being reminded to be vigilant and careful while driving over the next three months.
The AAA, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Departments of Insurance and Natural Resources say October, November and December are peak months of the year for deer-related crashes in the state.
“This is due in large part to the fall breeding season which can result in pursuits where the deer will dart into the roadways with little caution,” AAA Ohio public affairs director Kimberly Schwind said.
How to avoid animal collisions
- Scan the road ahead
- Use high beam headlights if there is no oncoming traffic
- Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk
- Always wear a seatbelt and remain awake, alert, and sober
Drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious in areas where fencerows, riparian corridors, or other blocks of forested habitat intersect a roadway, and remember that, when they see one deer, there will probably be others nearby.
If a collision is unavoidable, officials tell drivers to apply their brakes firmly and remain in their lane. Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
“When you keep your full focus on the roadway, you are more likely to be able to spot deer and slow down, without swerving,” said Col. Charles Jones, Patrol superintendent. “If you happen to strike a deer, move yourself to a safe place if you’re able to do so, turn on your hazard lights and report the crash.”
Since 2017, the Highway Patrol says there were almost 102,000 der-related crashes in Ohio, resulting in 31 human fatalities, and 47% of them have happened during those three months.
While 95% of deer-related crashes only resulted in property damage, 29 crashes resulted in fatal injuries to motorists, with 31 killed.
At least 50 deer-related crashes happened in each county, with the highest taking place in Stark, Richland, Hancock, and Williams counties.
The routes with the most deer-related crashes were interstates 71 and 75, state Route 2, and U.S. Routes 30 and 33.