Revised October 8, 2002

OSHP/ODNR/OII Safe Driving Tips
2001 Deer/Vehicle Collision Statistics and Facts

After a drop in reported deer/vehicle accidents in Ohio from 1999 to 2000, numbers again rose from 2000 (26,745) to 2001 (31,586), according to the Ohio Insurance Institute, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). State officials also noted that registered vehicles in Ohio increased by an additional 148,020 during that same time frame.

There were 11,888,533 registered vehicles in Ohio last year.

The Ohio Insurance Institute reports the Buckeye state ranks among the top five nationally in the number of registered motor vehicles and miles driven on public roadways, and ranks sixth in the number of licensed drivers. Each of these may be a contributing factor in the number of deer-vehicle collisions.

State wildlife biologists estimate Ohio's current deer population at about 575,000 deer. According to the ODNR's Division of Wildlife, most deer-vehicle collisions occur between October and December during the deer breeding season.

The OII, ODNR and OSHP caution drivers to be alert for deer on and near Ohio's roadways especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20 percent of these accidents occur in the early morning hours, while more than half happen between 5 p.m. and midnight.

The five counties with the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions in 2001 were Muskingum, Summit, Richland, Hamilton and Knox counties.

Monroe County had the fewest deer-vehicle collisions in 2001, followed by Van Wert, Putnam, Champaign, and Paulding counties.

Vehicle damage varies dramatically depending on the type of vehicle, its speed upon impact and where the vehicle is hit. According to the Insurance Information Institute, vehicle damage from these collisions averages about $2,000 per claim nationally. This equates to nearly $63.2 million in damages in Ohio last year.

Most insurers cover these losses under the comprehensive ('other than collision') portion of an auto insurance policy, less the deductible.

OII officials note that insurers normally don't single out deer-vehicle collision losses in determining future premium adjustments. Such a collision alone should not affect future premiums.

The OII, ODNR, and OSHP offer driving tips and precautionary measures for motorists

• Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs.
• Most crashes occur October through December, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight followed by the hours shortly before and after sunrise.
• If you see one deer on or near a roadway, expect that others may follow. Slow down and be alert.
• After dark, use high-beams when there is no opposing traffic. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater motorist reaction time. But don't rely solely on high-beams or deer whistles to deter such collisions.
• Always wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions.
• Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable, then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. The alternative could be even worse.
• Stay alert. Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metropolitan areas.
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours.

The Ohio Insurance Institute is a trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty industry. Its main objective is to increase understanding of insurance and related safety issues. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has responsibility and regulatory authority to manage Ohio's fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Ohioans.

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For Further Information Contact:
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882
-or-
Mary Bonelli, Mitch Wilson, Ohio Insurance Institute
(614) 228-1593
-or-
Sgt. Rick Zwayer, Ohio State Highway Patrol
(614) 752-2792

OHIO DEER-VEHICLE COLLISIONS BY COUNTY