Deer Collisions: A Costly Hazard for Ohio Auto Insurance Policy Holders

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Collisions between cars and deer have been increasing in recent years.  In 2010, these accidents caused auto damages to cars in Ohio totaling almost $72.2 million, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute.  However, there are some tips you can follow to avoid becoming a victim of this trend: 

Deer Collisions Are Up

Nationwide, deer collisions nationwide have increased 21% compared with 5 years ago, according to the New York Times.   Estimates of reported and unreported collisions with deer in the United States are estimated to total up to 2 million incidents per year.  In Ohio, the counties with the most collisions in 2010 were Richland, Stark, Hamilton, Summit and Williams with an average of 600 collisions per county.  This trend is mainly due to spread of housing into woodlands and prairies and deer become more comfortable in a suburban setting. 

Accidents are not only deadly for the deer, they accounts for millions of dollars in car repair, medical costs and human deaths annually in Ohio.  The cost of vehicle damage in auto insurance claims varies widely depending on the make and model of the car, the speed upon impact, and the area of the car that takes the hit.  Vehicle damage from deer accidents average about $3,100.00 per claim nationally, according to the Insurance Information Institute.   Obviously, collisions that result in bodily injury to the driver are much more costly. 

Tips to Avoid a Deer Collision

Keeping all this in mind, it is in your best interest to avoid a deer collision.  Here are some tips to can follow to avoid an accident with a deer:

• Note that deer are most active during their mating season in October to January and again in May of each year.  The highest risk hours are from dusk to dawn.
  
  


• Drive with extreme caution when you see deer-crossing signs.
  
  


• If you see a deer, expect others to follow and be alert.  Many accidents happens when a driver slows to avoid one deer and then speeds up and collides with the deer following.
  
  


• If a collision with a deer seems probable, your best choice is to hit it and maintaining control of your car.  The alternative, to swerve and hit a car or tree, is much worse. 

With deer collision in Ohio and nationally on the rise, it is important to be aware of this trend and to take steps to avoid an accident or having to file a costly claim on your auto insurance policy.

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