toledoblade.com --

Regardless of whether they believe your community has too many deer, motorists are advised to be on the lookout because it's the time when deer get pretty affectionate toward one another.

The annual fall mating season increases the odds for deer-vehicle crashes because those raging hormones prompt the animals to dart across roads more often.

"Statistics show that most deer-vehicle accidents occur in November," Mary Jo Hudson, Ohio Department of Insurance director, said.

"It's important that Ohioans be on the lookout while driving so they can avoid our four-legged friends."

Wood County, for example, logged a record 61 deer-vehicle accidents in November, 2007, and 41 in November, 2008.

A statement issued by Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn's office said people should be especially careful between sunset and midnight and the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

He advised using high headlight beams, especially near farms and forested areas, when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams illuminate eyes of deer on or near roadways.

Motorists also are advised to wear seat belts. Most people injured in deer-vehicle accidents were not wearing them, officials said.

The Wood County sheriff's office cautions against touching a deer that was struck by a vehicle.

"A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself," the sheriff's statement said.

It said the driver should try to get the vehicle off the road and dial 911.

Also, drivers should contact their insurance companies. Often, collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive or physical damage portions of policies and not under liability-only policies. Officials said it's best to check now instead of after an accident has occurred.

About 1.5 million deer-vehicle accidents occur each year throughout the country, causing about 150 deaths and $1.1 billion in property damage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety also suggests driving at or below the speed limit in areas posted with deer-crossing signs. It said most crashes occur between October through January, and that deer often travel in groups.

Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of the animal by first obtaining a receipt from area law enforcement or state wildlife officers, including those at an Ohio Division of Wildlife office.

Contact Tom Henry at:
thenry@theblade.com
or 419-724-6079.

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