It’s the season for deer crashes: What you need to know

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio Every year as the temperatures cool down and the leaves start to change, that’s also the time we tend to see more deer near the roadways.

There were over 20,000 deer-related crashes in Ohio last year. About 7,600 of those in October and November alone. Those crashes can be costly, but there are steps drivers can take to help avoid deer collisions.

“Biggest piece of advice is when you see those signs on the side of the road that have the pictures of the deer on them, they’re not there for decorations. They are there because they have been identified as areas where deer are prevalent,” said Jim Garrity with AAA.

Joe Ferrera with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife says October and November are the peak breeding season for white-tailed deer. During this time, the animals are very active during sunrise and sunset.

“It’s just the big time when they’re moving around. Whether it’s bucks chasing does or the does running away from the bucks,” Ferrera said.

Garrity suggests drivers slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. But he says drivers may have no other option than to hit the deer if the animal runs out suddenly, or if the driver is facing oncoming traffic.

“Sometimes, it is safer to hit the deer. And if you’re in one of those situations, you don’t want to be slamming on the brakes. That can actually pull the front of the vehicle down and invite the deer more into the vehicle to actually enter the windshield or over the vehicle and into the car behind you,” Garrity said.

Wynn Cooper with Walt’s Body Shop says starting in October and peaking in November, his body shop is busy repairing cars from deer-related crashes.

“In the peak season, that’s mostly what our garage if full of –deer hits. Each garage size has different amounts of deer that come through I’m sure. We probably process 40 of them a year,” Cooper said.

Cooper says these deer-related repairs cost on average about $5,000 and customers often tell the stories of how the crashes happen.

“One story that always comes to mind — a lady came in and said I saw the deer coming, I slowed down, I even stopped and it still ran into my car,” Cooper said.

Another thing both Cooper and Garrity noted is to be informed about your auto insurance and make sure you have the right coverage for deer collisions. For most insurance companies, deer collisions fall under comprehensive coverage.

Claims can get expensive, especially for newer cars with more advanced features.

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