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Ohio Deer-Vehicle Crashes By County

(Rev. 08/09)

2006 Ohio Deer-Vehicle Crashes By County

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife estimated Ohio’s deer population to be 600,000 in the fall of 2006. There were 28,240 deer-vehicle crashes reported in Ohio during 2006.

Ohio deer crash facts

• Most Ohio deer-vehicle crashes occur between October and December, followed by May.
• Fall is the height of Ohio’s deer breeding season (peaks in November) when deer become more active. Deer movement increases during this time
• There were 12 fatalities and 1,024 injuries caused by such crashes in 2006. There were nine fatalities and 1,084 injuries from deer-vehicle collisions in 2005. (Ohio Department of Public Safety)
• Vehicle damage is covered under the “other than collision” portion of an auto insurance policy.
  

Additional 2006 Ohio deer-vehicle crash statistics are available at www.ohioinsurance.org/newsroom/newsroom_full.asp?id=434

Precautionary tips for drivers

• Watch for deer-crossing signs and drive with extreme caution, especially in the posted areas.
• If you see a deer near the road, expect that others will follow.
• Watch for deer near roadways, especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20% of these crashes occur in early morning, while over half occur between 5 pm and midnight.
• After dark, use high-beams when there isn’t oncoming traffic. These will illuminate deer eyes, allowing motorists greater reaction time.
• Always wear safety belts, as required by law, and drive at safe, sensible speeds for road conditions.
• Don’t swerve the vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If the collision seems probable, then hit the deer while maintaining full control of the vehicle.

Sources: Ohio Department of Public Safety, 2005 Ohio Traffic Crash Facts
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife

Most vehicle-animal collisions aren’t severe enough to injure people, but federal data show that crash deaths are increasing. The states with the highest number of total deaths are Texas with 140 during 2000-2007, Wisconsin with 79, Pennsylvania with 73 and Ohio with 69. (IIHS Status Report, Nov. 2008: www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr4310.pdf)