Motorists warned about deer

Most people are hurt crashing after they swerve to avoid hitting a deer

AKRON —Whitetail deer movements increase this time of year due to breeding season which peaks in October and November, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

“While deer are most active in the immediate hours before and after sunset and again near sunrise, they can be active and cross roads anytime of the day or night,” said Scott Peters, wildlife management assistant supervisor.

“In the event of an unavoidable collision with a deer, it is safer to hit the deer rather than to swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic,” notes Peters.

Most personal injury occurs when the driver attempts to avoid the deer. Property damage can be repaired. Serious injury or death is not worth risking to avoid a deer.

Here are some safe-driving tips offered by the Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Insurance Institute:

UMost accidents occur October through December, and again in May. High-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, and in the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

UIf you see one deer on or near a road, expect that others may follow. Slow down and be alert.

UDuring hours of darkness, use your high-beam headlights when no traffic is approaching. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the road and allow for greater driver reaction time.

UDo not swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable, it is safer to hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle rather than to risk swerving out of control.

UReport any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law-enforcement agency or a state wildlife officer. Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of the deer but must obtain a deer possession receipt. These are available from law-enforcement officers, state wildlife officers and Division of Wildlife district offices.