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Deer Safety
Drivers need to heighten their awareness of deer during the fall season
Collisions between deer and automobiles result in a substantial cost and human injuries or
fatalities. As deer and human populations have grown, this danger has become greater.
Most deer related accidents occur between dusk and dawn. Watch for deer where roads pass through wooded or rural areas. The most important thing drivers can do to reduce the chances of an accident with a deer is to drive the speed limit. At night, reduce speeds below the limit, especially in rain, snow or fog.
In the event of an accident, do not attempt to remove a dead or injured deer from a busy roadway.
Contact local, county or state law enforcement officials.
If a deer carcass is found along or within a County-maintained road, please immediately contact the
Highway Department (513) 732-8869, fax information to (513) 732-8055 or fill out our on-line Request Form. Carcasses found within State-maintained roadways should be reported directly to
ODOT at (513) 797-6008.
TIPS
Deer usually travel in groups and generally maintain a home range of about one square mile. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and use caution. Often additional deer are out of view and more are likely to follow.
A deer standing calmly in a field may suddenly jump into the road. Anticipate the potential for this change.
Elevate your awareness at locations with deer crossing signs. These indicate areas where
deer trails cross roadways. Slow down and watch for the eye-shine of deer near the roadway edges.
Be especially aware during the morning and evening. They are moving between evening feeding areas and daytime bedding sites.
Be especially cautious during seasons of high deer activity (October through
January) during the breeding season, and (May and June) when yearlings are seeking new territories. In Spring, deer move as snow disappears and tend to gravitate near roadway shoulders for the first greening grass and remaining roadway salt.
Slow down to avoid hitting a deer, but do not swerve. This can cause you to lose control
of the vehicle.
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