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Drivers should pay special attention now through December when traveling through zones marked with deer crossing signs. More than 28,000 collisions between deer and vehicles are expected for this year. Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife estimates the state’s deer population at about 500,000 this fall and has monitored deer-vehicle accident trends since the 1940s.

The Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) reports the Buckeye State ranks among the top five nationally in the number of registered motor vehicles and miles driven on public roads, and ranks sixth when comparing the number of licensed drivers in a state. Both of these may contribute to the number of deer-vehicle collisions. The OII, ODNR and Ohio State Highway Patrol caution drivers to be alert for deer on and near Ohio’s roads, especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20 percent of these accidents occur in the early morning hours, while more than half happen between 5 p.m. and midnight.

According to Insurance Services Office, an organization that provides statistical information for the property and casualty insurance industry, the average insurance claim in Ohio in 2000 was more than $2,600 ($2,112 with a $500 deductible).

"Most insurers cover these losses under the comprehensive (‘other than collision’) portion of an auto insurance policy, less the deductible," said Daniel J. Kelso, OII president. Kelso added that typically insurers don’t single out deer-vehicle collision losses in determining future premium adjustments. Such a collision alone should not affect premiums.

The OII, ODNR, and Highway Patrol offer these precautionary measures for motorists:

• Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs.
• If you see one deer on or near a road, expect that others may follow. Slow down and be alert.
• After dark, use high-beams when there is no opposing traffic. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a road and provide greater motorist reaction time. But don’t rely solely on high-beams or deer whistles to deter such collisions.
• Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable, then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle.
• Stay alert. Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles.
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours.

According to ODNR spokesperson Andy Ware, there are three options for deer disposal after the accident:

1. You may keep the deer, but you must report it to the local wildlife officer, state Highway Patrol officer, sheriff, or police organization for them to verify that it was killed in an accident. The police will provide you with an ODNR form, which the officer will validate.
2. You may let another witness or individual claim the deer, provided they follow the same validation process. Most police organizations have lists of people willing to claim deer if the individual involved in an accident opts not to claim it.
3. You may leave the deer.