COLUMBUS ___A reminder to motorists regarding the increase in deer-related traffic crashes this time of year has been issued by six agencies that respond to and track incidents.
Since 2018, statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol show there were 104,328 deer-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. While 95% of deer-related crashes only resulted in property damage, 33 crashes resulted in fatal injuries to motorists, with a total 34 people being killed. Additionally, 47% of these crashes occurred in October, November and December.
The reminder includes these points:
- Deer activity always increases during this time of year – especially at dawn and dusk.
- If you happen to strike a deer, if you’re able, move yourself to a safe place, turn on your hazards and report the crash.
- Deer become visibly active in October, November and December. This is due in large part to the fall breeding season, which sometimes causes deer to dart into roadways with little caution.
- Use extra caution near fencerows, riparian corridors or other blocks of forested habitat.
- If you see one, slow down and be prepared for more to cross the road.