MIAMI VALLEY — Deer season is in full swing across the Miami Valley and Greene County Public Health is releasing tips to avoid hitting deer on the road.
Deer season runs from October through January.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been 100,672 deer-related crashes in Ohio since 2016. 95 percent of those resulted in property damage. 27 crashes resulted in 28 deaths.
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OSHP has reported more than 9,300 deer-related crashes so far this year.
GCPH said there were deer habits drivers should know:
- Deer are most often along the side of the road near dawn, around 7 a.m., and at dusk, around 7:30 p.m.
- Deer are also highly active during deer season and are on the move a lot.
- Deer never travel alone. If a driver sees one, they should keep their eyes out for more.
- Deer are most frequently found near the outskirts of town and in heavily wooded areas.
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In a release, GCPH said a there were several things drivers could do to prevent deer-related crashes, but also protect themselves in the event of one:
- Slow down in areas known for high deer populations. The more conservative drivers are, the more time they will have to break if an animal darts into their paths.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Use your high beams when the road is free of oncoming traffic to increase your visibility and reaction time.
- Watch for the shine of eyes along the roadside. When spotted, begin to slow down.
- If you see a deer frozen on the road, slow down and flash your lights. If that does not work, try one long blast of the horn to scare them off the road.
- Pay close attention to caution signs that indicate deer or other large animals.
- If driving on a multi-lane road, drive in the middle lane to give yourself as much space a possible to avoid grazing deer.
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Officials remind drivers to never serve to avoid a deer on the road. It could confuse the deer or cause a head-on crash with oncoming traffic.
If a driver hits a deer, they are asked to call emergency services if someone is injured. If there are no injuries, but there is property damage, drivers are asked to call local police.
Drivers should report deer-related crashes to their insurance companies as soon as possible.