Officials urge drivers to be alert during deer mating season

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The number of deer-vehicle crashes in Ohio decreased by 7.7 percent last year, with total damage to autos estimated at $72.2 million, according to insurance experts.

The number of incidents in Montgomery County increased from 239 in 2009 to 261 in 2010. Deer-vehicle crashes were slightly up in Warren County and down in Greene County.

“The numbers really don’t mean that much,” said Mitch Wilson of the Ohio Insurance Institute, which released the deer-vehicle statistics. “It can be up one year and down the next and then up again. There really is no rhyme or reason for the number of crashes.”

There were 23,201 deer-vehicle crashes in the state last year, with four fatalities.

There were 1,063 people injured in these crashes in 2010, compared to four fatalities and 1,137 injuries the year before.

In addition to medical costs, deer-vehicle crashes averaged $3,100 per insurance claim nationally.

“People need to realize deer act differently during mating season (now through January),” Wilson said. “They are running all over the place and you never know how they are going to react.”

He said drivers should also be more cautious around dawn and dusk. According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, peak hours for these crashes were 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. followed by 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. In 2010, almost 55 percent of these crashes occurred between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m.

“Those are obviously times when deer are most active, but it’s also the time many people are commuting to and from work,” Wilson pointed out.

He said it’s not a good idea to use your bright lights when other cars are coming toward you, but when alone on a road it will help you spot deer ahead and give you more time to stop. “And when you see one of those ‘deer crossing’ signs, pay attention. ... Those signs are there for a reason,” Wilson added.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife estimates the state deer herd at 750,000.

Deer-vehicle collisions should be reported to a law enforcement agency or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours.