COLUMBUS - As the weather turns colder, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be on the lookout for deer on the roadways that may lead to traffic crashes. Drivers are specifically cautioned to be alert for deer especially at dawn and after sunset.

During the months of October through December, the chances of seeing deer on or near our roads increase as the deer become more active and enter the peak of their breeding season. In 2006, there were 28,240 reported deer-vehicle crashes in Ohio, with the most frequency by month coming in October (3,915), November (6,418), and December (3,858).

The top 10 counties with the highest number of reported deer-vehicle collisions in 2006 were Hamilton (717), Richland (686), Summit (629), Knox (602), Muskingum (560), Delaware (515), Tuscarawas (506), Franklin (505), Lorain (505), Butler (504). Those counties reporting the five fewest such collisions were Monroe (31), followed by Hocking (63), Harrison (77), Vinton (79), and Carroll (88).

Please keep these tips in mind as you travel around the state this fall:

• If you see a deer in the road, expect more deer to be nearby. Deer commonly travel in groups, so the probability is high that other deer will be in front of or behind the one you’ve seen. Slow down and be alert;
• Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable, it is safer to hit the deer while maintaining full control of your vehicle. If you swerve the alternative could be even worse;
• Stay alert. Deer are always unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metropolitan areas; and
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency, such as your local Patrol post.

In the event of a deer crash, get the vehicle as far off the road as possible, and if a cell phone is available, dial 1-877-7-PATROL for assistance. The call will be directed to the nearest Patrol post.

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Note to editors: Additional deer-related crash statistics, facts, and a state map of deer crash totals can be found on the Patrol’s Web site, www.statepatrol.ohio.gov

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