OHIO — AAA, the Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) are cautioning motorists of the increase in deer-related traffic crashes at this time of year.
According to OSHP officials, there have been 100,672 deer-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways since 2016. While 95 percent of deer-related crashes resulted only in property damage, 27 crashes caused fatal injuries to motorists, with 28 killed. Officials added that 47 percent of these crashes occurred in October through December.
Some of the top counties for deer-related crashes include Stark, Richland, Lorain, Trumbull and Hancock with Interstate 71, U.S. 30 and Interstate 80 being the leading roadways in the state, according to state officials.
“Always avoid distractions and keep your full focus on the roadway,” said OSHP Col. Richard Fambro. “If you see a deer, slow down but do not swerve. If you strike a deer, move to a safe place if you are able, turn on your hazard lights and report the crash.”
According to ODNR, deer are active from late October through November due in large part to the fall breeding season. While males pursue prospective mates, they often encounter females not yet willing to breed, which can result in pursuits where deer will dart into roadways with little caution. This unpredictable movement leads to an increase in deer-related vehicle crashes.
Officials suggest drivers be extra cautious in areas where fencerows, riparian corridors or other blocks of forested habitat intersect a roadway.
“If you see one deer, be on the lookout for others nearby. Deer rarely run alone,” said ODNR wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker.
How to avoid animal collisions
• Scan the road ahead: Looking ahead helps provide enough reaction time if an animal is spotted. Also, remember some animals, like deer, move in groups, so when there is one, there are usually more in the area.
• Use high-beam headlights if there is no oncoming traffic: This can help you spot deer or other wildlife more quickly and give you time to slow down, move over or honk the horn to scare the animal away. High beams also help in spotting animals’ reflective eyes.
• Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk: Deer tend to be more active in the early morning and at dusk. That’s why these are peak times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane: Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Drivers who swerve to miss a deer and hit something else may be charged for an at-fault crash.
• Always wear a seatbelt and remain awake, alert and sober: The chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on. If you’re distracted or drowsy, you’re not properly scanning the road for deer and could end up spotting them too late.
What to do if you hit a deer
• Following the collision, call the police.
• Avoid making contact with the deer/animal. A frightened and wounded animal can be dangerous and pose a threat when approached or might further injure itself.
• Activate the vehicle’s hazard lights whether it’s light or dark outside.
• If possible, move the vehicle to a safe location out of the roadway and wait for help to arrive.
• Drivers should contact their insurance agent or company representative as quickly as possible to report any vehicle damage.
Ohioans with insurance questions can reach out to the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1526 or via www.insurance.ohio.gov.
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November 24, 2021 at 07:22PM
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Peak deer-related crash season underway - Akron Leader Publications
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