Deer Vehicle Collisions Down in Ohio

Deer-vehicle accidents decreased nearly 6 percent across the state in 2004, according to figures released by the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

OSHP reports 29,874 deer-vehicle collisions in 2004, down 5.8 percent from the 31,729 crashes reported in 2003. There were five fatalities and 980 injuries caused by these crashes in Ohio in 2004. This compares to seven fatalities and 989 injuries reported in 2003; and five fatalities and 898 injuries reported in 2002.

Nationally, Ohio ranks among the top states for the number of registered motor vehicles, licensed drivers and miles driven, reports the OII. Each of these variables contributes to the number of deer-vehicle collisions. Last year, the number of registered vehicles in Ohio increased to nearly 12.2 million.

Most deer-vehicle collisions occur between October and December during the deer-breeding season. According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and ODNR, peak hours for these collisions in 2004 occurred between 6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by 6:00-7:00 a.m.

State wildlife officials estimate Ohio’s current deer population at 650,000, down from its 2004 herd estimate of 700,000. Since last year’s eastern Ohio deer harvest increased more than 18,000 from 2003, ODNR estimates the herd population is 5 to 10 percent lower this year. Ohio deer densities tend to be heavier in the east-central and southeast parts of the state.

Vehicle damage varies dramatically depending on the type of vehicle, its speed upon impact and what area of the vehicle is hit. According to OII, vehicle damage from these collisions averages about $2,800 per claim nationally. This amounts to about $83.6 million in Ohio auto damages last year. Crashes that include bodily injury increase the average loss to $10,000 per crash, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Most insurers cover these losses under the comprehensive (‘other than collision’) portion of an auto insurance policy, minus the deductible. OII officials note that insurers normally don’t single out deer-vehicle collision losses in determining future premium adjustments. Such a collision alone should not affect future premiums.

The Ohio Insurance Institute is a trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty industry. Its main objective is to increase understanding of insurance and related safety issues. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has responsibility and regulatory authority to manage Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Ohioans.

Topics Auto Ohio