Highway Patrol urges caution as deer crashes rise in November

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone to drive cautiously as deer-related crashes tend to rise in early November across Ohio. There is typically an uptick in these types of crashes due to the combination of peak deer breeding season and the end of Daylight Saving Time.

“This is the time of year when deer pose a serious threat to those traveling on our roadways, so it's important that drivers stay alert,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “I encourage all drivers to commit to driving defensively, particularly during early morning and evening commutes.”

Deer activity increases significantly between dusk and dawn, the times when visibility is low and many people are traveling to and from work. To promote safety during this time, the patrol is reminding drivers to be vigilant and sharing the following safety tips:

—Be aware of the time: Deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.

—Scan the road: Look beyond your immediate headlights and scan the roadsides for deer.

—Deer travel in groups: If you see one deer, assume others are nearby.

—Brake, don’t swerve: If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes but remain in your lane. Swerving can lead to a more severe crash.

—After the crash: Pull safely off the roadway and call 911 or the nearest patrol post to report the crash. Do not approach an injured deer.

“The safety of Ohio’s motorists is our top priority, and that means being proactive about seasonal hazards like deer activity,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, patrol superintendent. “We strongly encourage drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and always be prepared to stop their vehicle.”

According to patrol statistics, there have been 108,047 deer-involved crashes since the beginning of 2020. Of those crashes, 48 were fatal, resulting in 49 total deaths. Although motorcyclists are only involved in 1% of deer-involved crashes, they account for 81% of the fatal crashes.

By staying alert and committing to safe driving practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a crash. Always drive defensively, observe the posted speed limits and eliminate distractions to ensure everyone arrives to their destination safely.