State agencies say it’s the time of year when deer populations are on the move. In 2019, there were 19,375 deer-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways and officials are cautioning drivers to be on the lookout.
Sgt. Nathan Dennis with the Ohio State Highway Patrol says there were 376 deer related crashes in Green County alone in 2019.
“The top routes for deer crashes occurring in Greene County were U.S. 68, U.S. 35, U.S. 42 and I-675. And, most of those crashes occurred in between 6 and 7 a.m. or 9 and 10 p.m. at night."
Statewide, the top areas for deer-related crashes include Stark, Richland, Lorain, Trumbull, and Hancock counties. US-30, I-71 and I-80 are the roadways with the most deer-related crashes in the state.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says, if you see a deer, slow down, but don’t swerve. Accidents are often made worse by drivers overcorrecting and going off the road, or even overturning their vehicles.
The state Department of Insurance estimates the average claim for a deer-related collision in Ohio is nearly $4,000. So the state is also advising drivers keep comprehensive coverage for newer vehicles.
You can find more information on the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s website.
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