The Ohio State Highway Patrol has warned drivers about the heightened risk of deer-involved crashes that come with the season. As motorists traverse Ohio’s roads, they should be alert to the increased presence of deer, particularly during the peak months of October through December. According to data provided by the Patrol, since 2019, the state has seen 109,507 collisions with deer, leading to property damage in the majority of incidents but also causing 45 fatalities.
With the vast majority, 95% of these incidents, resulting in property damage only, the Patrol emphasizes the importance of vigilance behind the wheel. October, November, and December are particularly dangerous, with 47% of the crashes occurring in this period, and November alone accounting for 22%. Stark, Richland, Hancock, and Defiance are the counties with the highest number of reported deer-involved crashes, accounting for a combined 10% of the total figure. More than 100 crashes have been reported in almost every Ohio county since 2019.
Colonel Charles A. Jones, the Patrol superintendent, underscores the need for safe driving habits. “Practicing safe driving habits and staying fully focused on the road increases your chances of spotting deer before it’s too late,” said Colonel Jones, according to the
Ohio State Highway Patrol’s news release
. He also advises what steps to take after an accident with a deer, which include prioritizing personal safety, using hazard lights, and reporting the incident. In addition to these guidelines, motorists are advised to use high-beam headlights when possible, to brake rather than swerve if a collision is imminent, and to be extra vigilant during dawn and dusk.
To assist drivers during roadway emergencies, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists that they can connect to the nearest patrol post by dialing #677. Furthermore, a statistical map with detailed information about deer-involved crashes can be accessed through the Patrol’s dedicated webpage. This resource, together with the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) Dashboard, provides extensive data on crash statistics for further reading and preparation.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply