Tips Offered to Avoid Deer-Vehicle Collisions

Cooler weather and shorter days mean more deer will be gracing Ohio’s roadways. The number of deer-vehicle collisions peak during the fall, which means drivers need to use caution and remain alert during the months ahead.

“We’re starting the time of year when Ohio’s wildlife will be crossing paths with motorists, so it’s time to be vigilant about scanning the road ahead,” said David McMullen, vice president, insurance for AAA Ohio Auto Club. “Remaining alert and limiting distractions is a must.”

In 2012, nearly 21,000 collisions with deer occurred on Ohio’s roadways, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. These collisions resulted in 874 injuries and five deaths. November had the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions, with more than 5,000 crashes occurring during that month alone.

AAA offered the following tips for drivers:

• Scan the road ahead: Looking ahead helps provide enough reaction time if an animal is spotted. Also, remember some animals, like deer, move in groups, so when there is one, there are usually more in the area.
• Use high beam headlights if there’s no oncoming traffic: This can help you spot deer or other wildlife sooner and give you time to slow down, move over or honk the horn to scare the animal away. High beams also help in spotting animals’ reflective eyes.
• If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane: Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or cause you to lose control of your vehicle. What’s more, drivers who swerve to miss a deer and hit something else may be charged for an at-fault accident.
• Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk: Deer tend to be more active in the early morning and at dusk.
• Slow down and use extra caution when traveling through areas with a high and active wildlife population: Be aware of increased deer movement in rural areas during the fall and early winter, as this is both hunting and mating season.
• Always wear a seat belt and remain awake, alert and sober

AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial- and automotive-related services. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.