The change to Autumn in Ohio brings wondrous colors but also an annual increased risk of deer related crashes and millions of dollars in related damages, Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor said.
Taylor is asking Ohio drivers and motorcyclists to be alert while navigating the state’s roadways during this peak season of deer activity. There were eight deaths and 968 injuries were caused by a total of 20,201 deer-vehicle collisions in 2013, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety
“Limiting distractions and being a focused motorist are tools to help combat the unpredictable tendencies of deer,” Taylor said. “From a financial perspective, now is the time to contact your agent to ensure you have adequate insurance in the event you are in an accident. The impact of a deer-vehicle collision can cost thousands of dollars to repair.”
Taylor added that drivers should be extra cautious in the morning and early evening.
Ohioans may not be aware that the collision portion of an insurance policy’s physical damage coverage does not include deer-vehicle collisions. The other than collision or comprehensive coverage portion pays to repair this type of damage. For consumers who only have a liability policy, any damage to the vehicle would not be covered by insurance.
Taylor asks Ohioans to wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed, particularly in areas with deer-crossing signs. For more safety tips on avoiding deer, visit the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s website at www.publicsafety.ohio.gov.
Ohioans with insurance questions can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Insurance information, including the Department’s auto insurance consumer guide, is also available at www.insurance.ohio.gov. You can follow the Ohio Department of Insurance on Facebook and Twitter.
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