Drivers warned to be on lookout for deer on Ohio roads

10/11/2007

With 28,240 deer-vehicle crashes in Ohio during 2006's final quarter, the Ohio Highway Patrol is warning drivers to be on special lookout for deer, particularly at dawn and after sunset, for the rest of 2007.

Deer become more active and enter their peak breeding season from October through December, increasing the chances of seeing them on or near roads. They often travel in groups, and the patrol urged motorists not to swerve to avoid striking deer - doing so can cause loss of control and more severe crashes.

Hamilton, Richland, and Summit counties had the highest number of reported deer-vehicle collisions during the three-month period last year. Monroe, Hocking, and Harrison had the fewest, according to the patrol.

Northwest Ohio counties with the highest car-deer crash totals in those months were:

•Hancock, 242.

•Williams, 235.

•Allen, 225.

•Defiance, 216.

•Wood, 208.

•Lucas, 199.