{"id":172892,"date":"2023-11-21T22:30:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T03:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=172892"},"modified":"2023-11-23T07:27:05","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T12:27:05","slug":"ohio-motorists-should-be-vigilant-for-deer-on-roadways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2023\/11\/21\/ohio-motorists-should-be-vigilant-for-deer-on-roadways\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorists should be vigilant for deer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

VW independent staff\/submitted information<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COLUMBUS — During the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period, along with the fall breeding season and deer hunting season, AAA, Ohio State Highway Patrol, The Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are reminding motorists of the increase in deer-related traffic crashes that normally occur at this time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2018, statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol show there were 104,328 deer-related crashes on Ohio\u2019s roadways. While 95 percent 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 percent of these crashes occurred in October, November and December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Motorists should be extra mindful of deer near and on roadways during this time of the year. Ohio Department of Insurance photo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOhio drivers should keep in mind that deer activity always increases during this time of year \u2013 especially at dawn and dusk,\u201d said Governor Mike DeWine. \u201cWith Ohio\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. 30, Ohio 3, Interstate 71, Interstate 75 and Interstate 77.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re more likely to spot deer when you practice safe driving habits and have your full attention on the roadway,\u201d said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. \u201cIf you happen to strike a deer, if you\u2019re able, move yourself to a safe place, turn on your hazards and report the crash.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, 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. This unpredictable movement leads to an increase in deer-related vehicle crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

“With deer activity on the rise, it’s extra important at this time of year to watch for deer,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Deer often move in groups, so if you see one, slow down and be prepared for more to cross the road.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On average, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation each remove more than 13,000 deer carcasses from our roadways each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colliding with a deer is not only dangerous, it\u2019s also increasingly costly. Recent data estimates the average insurance claim for a deer-vehicle collision in Ohio is nearly $5,000. Vehicle sensors found on newer vehicles continue to increase repair costs. In fact, AAA found these new safety systems can double repair bills for minor collisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AAA and the Ohio Department of Insurance remind drivers that the optional comprehensive coverage (also known as \u201cother than collision\u201d coverage) portion of an auto insurance policy often is used to pay for deer-vehicle damage repair. Collision or liability-only policies do not cover the damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid animal collisions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n