FOR RELEASE ON:  October 11, 2000
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Bonelli/Dan Kelso, OH Insurance Institute, 614-228-1593, (Mary after hours 614-443-0400)
John Wisse (614-265-6539)/Mike Tonkovich (740-664-2745), Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources
Sgt. Gary Lewis, Ohio State Highway Patrol, 614-752-2792

MOTORISTS NEED TO WATCH FOR DEER ON OHIO ROADWAYS

COLUMBUS, OH-With more than 25,000 motor vehicle collisions with deer expected to be reported statewide this year, the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are urging motorists to drive with extra caution this fall.

"As we head into the prime season for these crashes, the potential for injury to motorists along with significant damage to their vehicles is why we're banding together to increase driver awareness," said Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, OSHP superintendent.

According to the ODNR's Division of Wildlife, most deer-vehicle collisions occur between October and December.

"The fall is the height of Ohio's deer breeding season when deer movement increases," said John Wisse, spokesman with ODNR's Division of Wildlife.  "November is the peak month, when the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions usually occur."

The OII, ODNR and OSHP caution drivers to watch out 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 occur between 5 p.m. and midnight.

"Although primarily nocturnal, deer are known to cross our roadways throughout the year most any time of day,"  added Wisse.

ODNR's Division of Wildlife estimates the state's deer population at about 475,000 this fall.  There were 27,427 deer-vehicle collisions reported in 1999, compared to 24,868 such collisions in 1998.  States contiguous to Ohio-Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania-also report collision increases between 1998 and 1999.

"The increase in deer-vehicle collisions is partly due to the increase in the number of vehicles and traffic volume on Ohio's roads," explained Wisse.  "Other factors include a growing deer population and more suburban development that has reduced available places to hunt deer."

The Ohio Insurance Institute reports that Ohio ranks among the top six states nationally in the number of registered motor vehicles, licensed drivers and miles driven on public roadways, which may be additional factors.

The five counties with the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions in 1999 were Hamilton, Summit, Muskingum, Clermont and Richland counties.

Monroe County had the fewest deer-vehicle collisions in 1999, followed by Van Wert, Paulding, Putnam and Henry counties.

Ohio's seven largest metropolitan counties (Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery and Summit) experienced a combined increase of nine percent from 3,173 deer-vehicle collisions reported in 1998 to 3,458 reported last year.  Overall, 1999 deer-vehicle collisions declined in 15 counties and increased in 73 counties.  (CLICK HERE for 1998-99 Ohio county by county statistics)

Vehicle damage can vary dramatically, depending on such factors as vehicle type, its speed upon impact and where the vehicle is hit.  According to Insurance Services Office, Inc., an organization that provides statistical information for the P/C insurance industry, the average insurance claim in Ohio in 1999 was over $2,600 ($2,112 with a $500 deductible).

 "Most insurers cover these losses under the comprehensive ('other than collision') portion of an auto insurance policy, less the deductible," said Daniel J. Kelso, OII president.

Kelso added that typically insurers don't single out deer-vehicle collision losses in determining future premium adjustments.  Such a collision alone should not affect premiums.

Precautions for motorists

The OII, ODNR, and OSHP offer the following information 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. 
• 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.  These are available from law enforcement or state wildlife officers, and from local Division of Wildlife district offices.

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 Division of Wildlife is part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The agency has responsibility and regulatory authority to manage Ohio's fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Ohioans.

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