ODOT: Autumn is Peak Deer Crash Season

Deer-vehicle collisions are a big deal in Solon, as evidenced by the debate over whether the city should hunt deer to try to bring the number of crashes down.

And now is the time when drivers should be most wary of deer darting in front of their cars, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

ODOT officials say there are likely as many as 60,000 deer-vehicle accidents each year, and the fall is the most prevalent time for them.

"Fewer daylight hours, combined with the increased movement of deer due to mating and hunting seasons, increase the risk of collisions," said ODOT Director Jerry Wray in a news release.

In 2010, there were 23,201 reported deer-vehicle crashes in Ohio, injuring 1,063 people and killing four. November saw the most crashes with 5,012, or 167 per day.

Solon had 64 deer-vehicle crashes in 2010, but number has been as high as 165, in 2004.

ODOT officials give a number of tips to help avoid hitting a deer. They are:

• Watch for deer-crossing signs and drive with extreme caution, especially in the posted areas.
• If you see one deer near the road, expect that others will follow.
• Watch for deer, especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20 percent of these crashes occur in early morning, while more than half occur between 5 p.m. and midnight.
• Always wear seat belts and drive at safe, sensible speeds for road conditions.

Remember: If you hit a deer in Solon, call even if there is no damage to your car.

Solon officials say the desire to reduce the number of deer-vehicle accidents is the primary reason why they want to begin hunting deer both with a sharpshooter culling program and a pilot crossbow hunting program.

But many residents are against hunting in Solon for a number of reasons. Because of a petition drive by these opponents, voters will decide on the in November, an ordinance that would ban hunting in town.