Drivers urged to use caution during Ohio’s peak deer season

Zanesville, OH- As deer season gets underway in Ohio, drivers are being reminded to stay alert behind the wheel.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Zanesville post is reminding motorists to use extra caution as deer become more active during breeding season, also known as the rut.

According to the patrol, there have been more than 111,000 deer-involved crashes across Ohio since the beginning of 2021, resulting in 50 deaths.

Sergeant Kyle Shirer says drivers should be especially cautious when visibility is low.

“I just want to remind the community to be more alert in the early morning hours and evening hours when the deer are most active, this is prime season for the rut, so deer are going to be traveling quite often across our roadways, so I just want to remind motorists that if you do come in contact with a deer don’t swerve to miss it, maintain your lane and if you do hit one, call your local patrol post,” said Sergeant Kyle Shirer.

Shirer says if a collision is unavoidable, drivers should brake rather than swerve, which could cause a more serious crash.

“If they have to hit one…apply your brakes, try to maintain your lane, and if they hit one, pull off safely,” said Shirer.

The patrol also reminds drivers to scan roadsides for deer, follow posted speed limits, and eliminate distractions. If you are involved in a crash, pull safely off the roadway, and call 911 or the nearest patrol post. Motorists can also call #677 to report a crash.