Deer-vehicle collisions in Ohio decreased last year probably because of efforts to educate drivers to the danger, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute.

Figures from OII, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife and Ohio State Highway Patrol showed an 8.5 percent decrease in the number of collisions across the state in 2005.

The highway patrol for 2005 reported 27,337 deer-vehicle collisions, down from 29,874 crashes reported in 2004. There were nine fatalities and 1,084 injuries caused by these crashes in Ohio last year. This compares to five fatalities and 1,141 injuries reported in 2004; and seven fatalities and 1,158 injuries reported in 2003.

Mary Bonelli, spokesperson for the OII, told National Underwriter that the lower numbers are believed to be a result of ongoing awareness campaigns conducted for a number of years by the OII and the highway patrol.

Television, radio and newspaper are used annually to remind Ohio residents "to be aware that they are sharing the roadways with deer at dawn and dusk," she said.

Even though Ohio's deer population has decreased to 600,000 from a 2005 estimate of 650,000, this is not seen as the reason for the decrease in collisions, she said, pointing out that even with an overall decrease in collisions, there are still "pockets experiencing increases" around the state.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year, resulting in 150 occupant deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and more than $1 billion in vehicle damage.

The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is about $2,600, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. Factoring in auto claims involving bodily injury raises the average to more than $11,000, according to the I.I.I.

Nationally, Ohio ranks among the top states for the number of registered motor vehicles, licensed drivers and miles driven, reports the OII. Based on the I.I.I.'s average collision figure, OII estimated that Ohio auto damages approached $71.1 million in 2005.

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 collisions in 2005 were between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., followed by 5 a.m and 8 a.m.

According to OII, most insurers cover these losses under the "other than collision" (comprehensive) portion of an auto insurance policy, minus the deductible. OII officials noted 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.

OII said most deer accidents occur in the months of October through December.

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