OHIO, USA — AAA is offering tips and reminding drivers to be vigilant as deer-related crashes increase during the fall season.
AAA said October through December is deer-mating season, meaning the animals are more active and more likely to dart into the roadway and cause a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 1.5 million deer-related vehicle crashes happen in the United States each year.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were more than 20,000 deer-related crashes in the state last year.
Here are the top 10 counties in Ohio for deer crashes:
- Stark - 575
- Richland - 561
- Hancock - 501
- Defiance - 497
- Tuscarawas - 486
- Allen - 460
- Williams - 460
- Trumbull - 451
- Lorain - 433
- Mahoning - 421
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 1,900 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving animals from 2013-2022.
There have been 37 fatal crashes involving deer over the last five years in Ohio. In 2023, of the more than 20,000 deer-related crashes in the state, 13 of them were fatal.
“Safety is priority one, so first and foremost, AAA encourages motorists to adjust their driving behaviors to prevent a deer collision,” said Kara Hitchens, spokesperson for AAA. “Repairs for crashes involving animals are covered by comprehensive insurance, so drivers should talk to their insurer to understand and, if necessary, adjust their coverage as even minor collisions will likely lead to a major expense.”
According to AAA's insurance agency, the average claim for an animal strike in 2023 for its policyholders was around $5,500. AAA said new vehicle technology, such as cameras and sensors that may be in the windshield, bumper or rearview mirrors, is driving up the cost of repairs.
“Deer can be unpredictable, so even the best drivers are at risk,” Hitchens said. “In addition to the inconvenience of having your vehicle damaged and possibly unavailable to you for a time because of a deer collision, the cost of repairs may put a serious dent in your wallet if you don’t have a comprehensive insurance policy with adequate coverage.”
AAA is providing tips to avoid a collision with an animal:
- Keep your eyes moving back and forth: AAA said to sweep your eyes across the road for signs of animals, and while the most likely crash is caused by an animal darting in front of the car, an animal could also run into the side of the car.
- Be especially attentive in early morning and evening: According to AAA, many animals, especially deer, are most active from 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.
- Know where deer may be near: Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces, including parks or golf courses and near water, such as ponds and streams. AAA said deer crossing signs indicate where high levels of deer-related crashes have occurred in the past.
- Use high beams at night when there's no oncoming traffic: Bright lights can help you spot animals sooner and AAA said the light reflecting off the animal's eyes can also reveal their location.
- Watch for other deer to appear: If you see one deer, there are likely to be one or more nearby because deer rarely travel alone, AAA said.
- Honk your horn with one long blast: AAA said a long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, including deer, away from your vehicle.
- Don't veer the deer: If an animal is in your path, stay in your lane and don't swerve. AAA said swerving from animals can confuse them.
- Always wear your seatbelt: According to the Insurance Information Institute, not wearing a seatbelt increases your chances of getting injured after hitting an animal.
Here are recommendations from AAA in the event of a collision with an animal:
- Immediately move the vehicle to a safe location out of the roadway, if possible
- Call the police when you are in a safe location and no longer driving
- Put the vehicle's hazard lights on
- Avoid making contact with the deer or animal. AAA said a frightened or wounded animal can hurt you or further injure itself
- Contact your insurance company to report any damage to your car
- Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely and without entering the roadway