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2004 Ohio Deer-Vehicle Crashes By County
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
estimated Ohio’s deer population to be 700,000 in the fall
of 2004. There were 29,874 deer-vehicle crashes reported in Ohio
during 2004.
Ohio deer crash facts
- Most Ohio deer-vehicle crashes occur between October
and December, followed by May.
- Fall is the height of Ohio’s
deer breeding season (peaks in November) when deer become more
active. Deer movement increases
during this time
- There were five fatalities and 980 injuries
caused by such crashes in 2004. There were seven fatalities and
989 injuries from
deer-vehicle collisions in 2003. (Ohio Department of Public Safety)
- Vehicle damage is covered under the “other than
collision” portion
of an auto insurance policy.
Additional 2004 Ohio deer-vehicle crash statistics are available
at www.ohioinsurance.org/newsroom/newsroom_full.asp?id=329
US deer crash facts
- According to the Insurance Information Institute,
US insurance claims for deer-vehicle crashes average $2,800
per claim.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports
there were more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle crashes in the
US in
2003, injuring 13,713 motorists and costing an estimated $1.1 billion
in vehicle damage.
- The IIHS study indicates that cars and motorcycles
in the US collide with deer more than 4,000 times per day.
- According
to IIHS, 210 drivers died in collisions with animals (mostly
deer) in 2003 – a new record (an increase of
40 deaths from 2002).
Many ask what can be done to reduce
deer-vehicle collisions. An IIHS report identified some measures
(fencing, herd reduction,
etc.) that may reduce collisions, but it stressed to employ
measures that show promise.
One common method – proven
not to work – is the
use of deer whistles mounted on vehicles.
Learn more about IIHS findings at www.iihs.org/news/2004/iihs_news_111804.pdf
Precautionary tips for drivers
- Watch for deer-crossing signs and drive with extreme
caution, especially in the posted areas.
- If you see a deer
near the road, expect that others will follow.
- Watch for deer
near roadways, especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20%
of these crashes occur in early morning, while over
half occur between 5 pm and midnight.
- After dark, use high-beams when there isn’t
oncoming traffic. These will illuminate deer eyes, allowing motorists greater
reaction
time.
- Always wear safety belts, as required by law, and drive
at safe, sensible speeds for road conditions.
- Don’t swerve
the vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If the collision seems
probable, then hit the deer while maintaining
full control of the vehicle.
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According to the a study conducted by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of people
killed in auto accidents involving collisions with deer in
2003 was up 27% from 2002. |
Sources: Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Traffic Crash
Facts 2004; Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division
of Wildlife; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
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