Traffic
Ohio Traffic Alert: 111,359 Deer Crashes, Peak Danger in November
Columbus, OH – Ohio drivers are being warned to remain especially alert on roadways this November as deer activity increases, creating a heightened risk of collisions during morning and evening travel
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-11-07T21:58:50.500Z
Columbus, OH – Ohio drivers are being warned to remain especially alert on roadways this November as deer activity increases, creating a heightened risk of collisions during morning and evening travel hours across the state.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 111,359 deer involved crashes were recorded during the agency's 2021 2026 reporting period, with nearly half occurring during the final three months of the year.
November Brings Significant Collision Risk
Highway Patrol statistics show that 47% of deer involved crashes occurred during October, November and December.
November alone accounted for 21% of all reported deer collisions, making it a particularly important month for motorists to watch for wildlife near highways and local roads.
The agency also identified two periods when crashes were especially common.
Approximately 26% of deer related crashes occurred between 5 a.m. and 7:59 a.m., while another 31% happened between 6 p.m. and 9:59 p.m.
Combined, those periods accounted for 57% of deer involved crashes.
What Drivers Should Watch for This Fall
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to slow down, remain focused and watch for deer approaching roadways, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Drivers traveling through wooded areas, rural highways and roads bordering fields should be especially cautious.
Deer can enter roadways unexpectedly, leaving motorists with limited time to react.
Motorists who encounter deer should reduce speed when safe, maintain control of their vehicles and avoid sudden swerving that could lead to a more serious crash.
Drivers should also remember that additional deer may be nearby when one animal crosses the roadway.
With November underway, the Highway Patrol is emphasizing that a few extra seconds of caution could help prevent a collision.
The warning applies statewide as Ohio moves through one of its historically busiest periods for deer related crashes.