Watch out for deer; the OSHP is offering tips to avoid accidents
CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – Hunting season and peak breeding season for deer have led to more accidents on the road. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), there have been more than 100,000 deer-related crashes since 2020 with a resulting 49 deaths. This is why the patrol is asking drivers to stay safe while offering advice.
“Things you want to be aware of are the time of day. In between sunset and sunrise, that’s when deer are most active,” said Lieutenant Todd Henry, commander of the Cambridge Post of the highway patrol. “You also want to scan the roadway beyond your actual headlights, you know, on the roadside and out in front of you. Remember that deer normally travel in groups at this time of year so if you see one, there’s probably others near by. ”
If you find yourself in a situation where it is too late to avoid an accident with a deer on the road, Henry says there are things you can do to minimize the danger.
“If you’re going to be involved in a crash, you want to brake, don’t swerve,” Henry said. “You want to try and maintain your lane so that you’re not going into other traffic, oncoming traffic or off the roadway and into a wooded area or trees. Anything like that, you want to limit the damage and potential for injury.”
If you find yourself in a deer related incident, the best next step is to pull the vehicle safely off the roadway, call 911 or #677 to report the accident and do not approach an injured deer.
