The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Deer-vehicle crashes soar in November
Statewide stats show drivers should exercise caution in November, the leading month for deer-vehicle crashes.
Statewide statistics indicate Lorain County drivers should exercise caution in November, the leading month for deer-vehicle crashes, according to a news release.
Ohio Department of Insurance Director Jillian Froment and the Ohio Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Paul Pride are urging drivers to be safe on the roadway.
“Staying alert and avoiding distractions while driving are always important,” Froment said. “It’s also important to review and make sure you have the insurance coverage you need to help protect your family and other drivers on the road.”
In November 2017, there were nearly 4,000 deer-related crashes on the state’s roadways, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
In total, people were involved in more than 18,400 deer related crashes in 2017, the release said.
The most deer-vehicle crashes occurred in the following counties:
• Stark (501) • Richland (450) • Clermont (444) • Trumbull (435) • Hamilton (418) • Lorain (405) • Hancock (405) • Allen (395) • Wood (385) • Tuscarawas (377)
“Driving requires your full attention,” Pride said. “If you see a deer in the roadway, slow down, but do not swerve.
“If you strike a deer, move to a safe place, turn on your hazard lights and report the accident.”
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, and to help keep safe, scan the road and shoulders ahead of you, the release said.
Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic, the release said.
Ohioans are encouraged to review their insurance coverage.
Comprehensive coverage (also known as “other than collision coverage) portion of an auto insurance policy often does not cover the damage.
Photograph or take video footage of any damage to support an insurance claim.
More safe driving tips are available at www.publicsafety.ohio.gov.
Insurance information is located at www.insurance.ohio.gov and you can call the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1526 with any questions.