FOR RELEASE:  October 20, 1999
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OII:  Mitch Wilson/Dan Kelso - (614) 228-1593
ODNR: Division of Wildlife: John Wisse - 614.265.6539
ODPS: Susan Watiker - 614.466.4344

MOTORISTS NEED TO BE ALERT FOR DEER ON OHIO ROADWAYS

COLUMBUS - More than 24,000 vehicle collisions with deer are expected to be reported statewide this year with most of these occurring now through the end of the year, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS).

Ohio's deer population is estimated at approximately 420,000 this fall, an increase of five percent from last year.  In 1998, motorists were involved in 24,868 collisions with deer, an increase of three percent from 1997.

Deer movements increase this time of year when bucks are chasing does during the deer breeding season.  Ohio's peak deer breeding season occurs in November.  Another factor that tends to increase movement among deer herd is people's increased participation in seasonal outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, walking and hunting.

"Deer frequently cross roads this time of year especially in the immediate hours after sunset and again near sunrise.  Deer are primarily nocturnal animals, but can be active and cross roads any time of day or night throughout the year," said John Wisse, public information specialist in the ODNR Ohio Division of Wildlife.

"In most situations involving collisions with deer, the damage to a person's vehicle is going to require a call to your insurance agent or company," said Daniel J. Kelso, OII president.  "Most insurers cover these losses under the 'other than collision' (comprehensive) portion of an auto insurance policy, less the deductible.  Normally, insurers do not single out deer-vehicle collision losses when making future premium adjustments, which means that a deer-vehicle collision alone should not affect an auto insurance premium," added Kelso.

"In the event of a probable collision with a deer, it is safer to hit the deer rather than to swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic," said Lt. Governor Maureen O'Connor, public safety director.  "Property damage can be repaired.  Death or injury are not worth risking in order to avoid hitting a deer," O'Connor concluded.

Precautions for Motorists

The Ohio Insurance Institute, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and ODNR Division of Wildlife offer these precautionary measures for motorists:

	Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, especially in areas with deer-crossing signs.
	Most accidents occur October through December, and again in May. High-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, and in 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.
	During hours of darkness use your high-beam headlights when no traffic is approaching.  The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and allow for greater driver reaction time.
	Always wear safety belts as required by state law and drive at a safe and sensible speed.
	Do not swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer.  If a collision with a deer seems probable, it is safer to hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle rather than to risk swerving out of control.
	Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency or a state wildlife officer.  Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of the deer but must obtain a deer possession receipt.  These are available from law enforcement officers, state wildlife officers, and Division of Wildlife district offices.
	Stay alert, awake, and sober.  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.

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.  This state agency has responsibility and regulatory authority to manage Ohio's fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Ohioans.

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