Deer-vehicle accidents decreased nearly 6 percent across the state in 2004, according to figures released by the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

OSHP reports 29,874 deer-vehicle collisions in 2004, down 5.8 percent from the 31,729 crashes reported in 2003. There were five fatalities and 980 injuries caused by these crashes in Ohio in 2004.  This compares to seven fatalities and 989 injuries reported in 2003; and five fatalities and 898 injuries reported in 2002.

The five counties with the highest number of reported deer-vehicle collisions in 2004 were Muskingum (718), Hamilton (714), Richland (670), Summit (618) and Logan (612). Muskingum and Logan counties reported increases in deer-vehicle collisions in 2004 compared to crashes in 2003, while Hamilton, Richland and Summit crashes decreased (.pdf formatted chart).

Counties reporting the fewest such collisions in 2004 are Monroe (26) followed by Champaign (98), Lawrence (101), Hocking (112) and Madison (121) counties.

Nationally, Ohio ranks among the top states for the number of registered motor vehicles, licensed drivers and miles driven, reports the OII. Each of these variables contributes to the number of deer-vehicle collisions. Last year, the number of registered vehicles in Ohio increased to nearly 12.2 million.

Most deer-vehicle collisions occur between October and December during the deer-breeding season. According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and ODNR, peak hours for these collisions in 2004 occurred between 6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by 6:00-7:00 a.m. Last year, 52% of these accidents occurred between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, while nearly 22% occurred in the early morning 5:00-8:00 a.m. (.pdf formatted chart).

State wildlife officials estimate Ohio's current deer population at 650,000, down from its 2004 herd estimate of 700,000. Since last year’s eastern Ohio deer harvest increased more than 18,000 from 2003, ODNR estimates the herd population is 5 to 10 percent lower this year. Ohio deer densities tend to be heavier in the east-central and southeast parts of the state.

Vehicle damage varies dramatically depending on the type of vehicle, its speed upon impact and what area of the vehicle is hit. According to OII, vehicle damage from these collisions averages about $2,800 per claim nationally. This amounts to about $83.6 million in Ohio auto damages last year. Crashes that include bodily injury increase the average loss to $10,000 per crash, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Most insurers cover these losses under the comprehensive ('other than collision') portion of an auto insurance policy, minus the deductible. OII officials note that insurers normally don't single out deer-vehicle collision losses in determining future premium adjustments. Such a collision alone should not affect future premiums.

Driving tips for motorists

• Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs.
• Most crashes occur in the months of October through December, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, followed by 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.
• After dark, use high beams when there is no opposing traffic. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater motorist reaction time. Don't rely solely on high beams to deter collisions.
• Always wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions.
• Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. The alternative could be even worse.
• Stay alert. Deer are always unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metropolitan areas.
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours.

Resources:

• 2002-2004 Ohio deer-vehicle collisions by county (.pdf)
• 2004 Ohio deer-vehicle collisions by time and day(.pdf)
• 2004 Ohio deer-vehicle crashes compared to overall number of crashes by county (.pdf)
• Insurance Information Institute US news release on deer-vehicle collisions

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
Mitch Wilson / Mary Bonelli, Ohio Insurance Institute
(614) 228-1593
mitchw@ohioinsurance.org / maryb@ohioinsurance.org
Lt. Rick Zwayer, Ohio State Highway Patrol
(614) 752-2792
rlzwayer@dps.state.oh.us
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
jane.beathard@dnr.state.oh.us