November 2004

Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

As seasons turn to colder weather and thoughts turn to the holidays, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be on the lookout for deer and increased traffic on Ohio roadways.

During October and November, the chances of seeing deer on or near our roads increase as the deer become more active and enter the peak of their breeding season. Deer-vehicle crashes increased nearly 5 percent across the state in 2003, with seven fatalities and 989 injuries reported.

The five counties with the highest number of reported deer-vehicle collisions in 2003 were Hamilton (791), Richland (753), Muskingum (703), Summit (642) and Knox (612). Those reporting the fewest such collisions were Monroe (36) followed by Champaign (56), Pike (119), Hocking (127) and Putnam (130) Counties.

Drivers are cautioned to be alert for deer on and near Ohio's roadways especially at dawn and after sunset. Last year, 53.2 percent of deer-vehicle crashes occurred between 5 p.m. and midnight, while over 20 percent occurred in the early morning hours (5 a.m.-7 a.m.).

Please keep these tips in mind as you travel around the state this fall season:

• If you see a deer in the road, expect more deer to be nearby. Deer commonly travel in groups, so the probability is high that other deer will be in front of or behind the one you’ve seen. Slow down and be alert.
• Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. The alternative could be even worse.
• Stay alert. Deer are always unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metropolitan areas.
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency, such as your local Patrol post within 24 hours.

In anticipation of heavy traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Patrol is urging motorists to contribute to roadway safety by calling 1-877-7-PATROL when they see a disabled motorist or an unsafe driver.

Everyone shares the responsibility of keeping the roadways in Ohio among the safest to travel in the nation. Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 10 people were killed in 10 crashes on Ohio's roadways, almost half of the fatalities from Thanksgiving 2002. Of the 10 people killed, nine had safety belts available, yet only two were wearing them at the time of the crash.

The Patrol is recommending that in the event of a vehicle breakdown, get the vehicle as far off the road as possible, open the hood, and activate hazard lights. Place a "help" sign in the rear window, and stay inside the vehicle until help arrives. If a cell phone is available, dial 1-877-7-PATROL for assistance. The call will be directed to the nearest Patrol post.

Troopers suggest all motorists have the following items in their vehicle in case of a breakdown:

• Cell phone or CB radio
• Flares or reflectors
• “Help” or “Call Police” signs
• White flag or handkerchief
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Reflective tape

It’s about safety!