For Immediate Release:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Fall Season Means More Deer on Ohio Roads, Insurance Department Warns
COLUMBUS —The arrival of fall means colder weather and the changing of leaf colors on Ohio trees. It also signifies the start of the deer mating season, which means an increase in the chances for deer/vehicle collisions. Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is reminding Ohio drivers to be on the lookout for more deer on Ohio roadways and to check with their insurance agent to make sure they are adequately covered in the event that they strike a deer while driving.
“Statistics show that most deer/vehicle accidents occur in November,” said Director Hudson. “It’s important that Ohioans be on the lookout while driving so they can avoid our four-legged friends.”
Deer/vehicle accidents are covered by your auto insurance policy if you have purchased physical damage coverage. If you have only purchased liability coverage, the costs to repair your vehicle would not be covered by your auto insurance policy. A deer/vehicle accident is considered a comprehensive, or “other than collision”, claim. Your claim would reduced by the amount of this deductible. A deer hitting a vehicle can costs thousands of dollars to repair, depending on the size of the deer, how fast the vehicle was moving and the type of vehicle.
Director Hudson encourages Ohioans to speak with their insurance company or agent to determine their auto insurance coverage needs. Together, you can decide if purchasing physical damage coverage is appropriate. You can also determine what deductible amount to choose. The higher the deductible, the greater the premium savings, but, you would have to pay more out of pocket if an accident does occur.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety offers the following advice when it comes to avoiding deer during the breeding season:
- Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs.
- Most crashes occur in the months of October through January, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, followed by the hours shortly before and after sunrise.
- If you see one deer on or near a roadway, expect others to follow. Slow down and be alert.
- After dark, use high beams when there is no opposing traffic. High beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater motorist reaction time. Don’t rely solely on high beams to deter collisions.
- Always wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions.
- If a collision with a deer seems probable then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. The alternative could be even worse.
- Stay alert. Deer are always unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metro areas.
- Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours. Note: Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of it by first obtaining a deer possession receipt (available from law enforcement or state wildlife officers, and from local Division of Wildlife district offices).
Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 . Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov .
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