COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio continues into its peak time for deer-related crashes, state officials are reminding drivers to be cautious on the road.
On Sunday, the driver of a silver Honda Accord was driving on Darby Creek Drive in Prairie Township when they stuck a deer. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said the driver then struck a utility pole at a high rate of speed and crashed through a fence before they were ejected from the vehicle.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows that since 2018, there have been 104,328 deer-related crashes. Thirty-three crashes resulted in fatal injuries to drivers, with a total of 34 people being killed.
Additionally, the data shows that 47% of deer-related crashes happen in October, November and December.
“Ohio drivers should keep in mind that deer activity always increases during this time of year – especially at dawn and dusk,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “With Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving laws now in place, we anticipate that more drivers will stay alert to their surroundings, and as a result, we hope fewer deer-related crashes will take place this fall.”
When do deer pop out the most?
Deer become visibly active in October, November and December, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Autumn is breeding season for deer, which sometimes causes the animals to dart into roadways with little caution.
Drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious in areas where fencerows, riparian corridors or other blocks of forested habitat intersect a roadway.
On average, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission remove more than 13,000 deer carcasses from the roads each year.
Where do the most deer-related crashes happen?
At least 50 deer-related crashes happened in each county, with the highest taking place in Stark, Richland, Hancock and Defiance counties.
The routes with the most deer-related crashes were U.S. Route 30, state Route 2 and Interstates 71, 75 and 77.
The average insurance claim for a deer-related crash in Ohio is nearly $5,000. AAA found that some new safety features like vehicle sensors can double repair bills for minor collisions.
How to avoid hitting deer with your vehicle
· 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.
· 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 should you 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.
The average insurance claim for a deer-related crash in Ohio is nearly $5,000. AAA found that some new safety features like vehicle sensors can double repair bills for minor collisions.
