TIFFIN, Ohio — The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder and deer-related car collisions are increasing. That's according to Jeff McDannell, the manager at Reineke Family Body Shop in Tiffin. He said deer-related damage is now a daily occurrence at their shop.
“It literally is every day,” McDannell said.
He said in the past these incidents were mostly confined to this time of year, but now it feels like it's year-round.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been 287 deer-related crashes reported in Seneca County this year.
At least 15 of these occurred in the Tiffin area over the past couple of weeks, according to crash reports from Tiffin Police. One of those recent crashes involved Fostoria Fire Chief Jason Root.
“I just caught the corner of my eye, the deer coming and it was already too late," Root said. "It hit the front corner of my vehicle.”
Both Root and McDannell advise against swerving to avoid deer, as sudden maneuvers can lead to more severe accidents.
AAA is providing tips to avoid a collision with an animal:
- Keep your eyes moving back and forth: AAA said to sweep your eyes across the road for signs of animals, and while the most likely crash is caused by an animal darting in front of the car, an animal could also run into the side of the car.
- Be especially attentive in early morning and evening: According to AAA, many animals, especially deer, are most active from 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.
- Know where deer may be near: Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces, including parks or golf courses and near water, such as ponds and streams. AAA said deer crossing signs indicate where high levels of deer-related crashes have occurred in the past.
- Use high beams at night when there's no oncoming traffic: Bright lights can help you spot animals sooner and AAA said the light reflecting off the animal's eyes can also reveal their location.
- Watch for other deer to appear: If you see one deer, there are likely to be one or more nearby because deer rarely travel alone, AAA said.
- Honk your horn with one long blast: AAA said a long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, including deer, away from your vehicle.
- Don't veer the deer: If an animal is in your path, stay in your lane and don't swerve. AAA said swerving from animals can confuse them.
- Always wear your seatbelt: According to the Insurance Information Institute, not wearing a seatbelt increases your chances of getting injured after hitting an animal.