Ohio continues into peak time for deer-involved crashes
Since 2019, there have been 109,507 deer-involved crashes on Ohio roadways
Media release from Ohio State Highway Patrol
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists of the increase in deer-involved crashes during this time of year. While 95% of deer-involved crashes only resulted in property damage, 44 crashes were fatal and resulted in 45 deaths. From 2019-2023, 47% of these crashes occurred in October, November and December, with 22% occurring in November alone. ▶︎
"Practicing safe driving habits and staying fully focused on the road increases your chances of spotting deer before it's too late," said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. "If you do strike a deer, prioritize your safety by moving to a secure location if possible, turning on your hazard lights and reporting the incident."
Simple tips to avoid an animal collision are: scan the road ahead, use high-beam headlights when able, be extra cautious at dawn and dusk and if a collision is unavoidable, brake – don’t swerve – to stay in your lane.
Motorists are reminded they can safely dial #677 from their mobile device to be connected to the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol Post during a roadway emergency.
The most crashes involving deer have happened in Stark (3,138), Richland (2,880), Hancock (2,725) and Defiance (2,560) counties. Combined, these four counties accounted for 10% of all deer-involved crashes. Additionally, more than 100 deer-involved crashes have happened in all but one Ohio county since 2019.
A statistical map containing deer-involved crash information can be found here and additional information on crash statistics can be found on the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) Dashboard.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, April 25, 2025
Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Blanchard Valley Health Foundation welcomes Sapp as Chief Development Officer
- LEO Club invitation to 5K and 1-mile walk & stroll
- Memorial bench and tree planting at Village Arboretum
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, April 16-22
- Pirate baseball loss vs. Fort Jennings
- Alan Garmatter is new CNB Chief Credit Officer
- Parks & Recreation Committee meets April 25
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Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
- ONU theater students give voice to the Ukrainian people
- Permits will be needed for overnight parking on Spring St.
- April 26 Easter for Kids event
- Anabaptist choral concert on April 27
- April 23 landscaping night at the Bluffton Sportsmen's Club-LE&W Depot
- Upcoming BPL events, April 21-26
- Marc Augsburger is 2025 Outstanding Alumni from Rhodes State College
- Pirate girls win O-G Gold track meet, Bluffton boys 2nd