MOTORISTS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AN INCREASE IN DEER SIGHTINGS

 AKRON, OH- Whitetail deer movements increase this time of year due to the breeding season also referred to as “rut”, which peaks in October and November according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. 

“While deer are most active in the immediate hours before and after sunset and again near sunrise, they can be active and cross roads anytime of the day or night,” explains Scott Peters, wildlife management assistant supervisor.  “In the event of an unavoidable collision with a deer, it is safer to hit the deer rather than to swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic,” notes Peters. Most personal injury occurs when the driver attempts to avoid the deer.  Property damage can be repaired; serious injury or death is not worth risking to avoid a deer.

Here are some safe driving tips offered by the Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Insurance Institute:

  Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, especially in areas with deer-crossing signs.
  Most accidents occur October through December, and again in May. High-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, and in the hours shortly  before and after sunrise.
  If you see one deer on or near a roadway, expect that others may follow. Slow down and be alert.
  During hours of darkness, use your high-beam headlights when no traffic is approaching. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and allow for greater driver reaction time.
  Always wear safety belts as required by state law.
  Do not swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable, it is safer to hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle rather than to risk swerving out of control.
  Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency or a state wildlife officer. Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of the deer but must obtain a deer possession receipt. These are available from law enforcement officers, state wildlife officers, and Division of Wildlife district offices.
  Stay alert and wide awake. Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns, and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metropolitan areas.