Analysts say Ohio drivers get into more crashes between November and January than any other time of the year.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Dark roads, deer, and winter weather are just some of the hazards drivers will face over the next few months. Crash data indicates that Ohio drivers get in more crashes between November and January than any other time of the year.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the risk of motor vehicle crashes is greater when it’s dark outside and rush hour traffic in that darkness only adds to the danger.
Not only do drivers have to be aware of other vehicles, but they also have to keep an eye out for deer. The Highway Loss Data Institute found insurance claims for crashes involving animals are nearly three times higher in November than in other months. Statistics from the Ohio Department of Public Safety show that 72 percent of deer-vehicle crashes happened after dark last year.
AAA's Kimberly Schwind says deer crashes can be more expensive. That's because only comprehensive auto insurance policies will cover them. The charges continue to rack up if you swerve to miss the deer and hit something else.
"If a deer is in your path and it looks like you might hit it just stay in your lane, slam on your brakes, and hope for the best," she said.
Fall leaves and the beginning of icy roads also make this time of year especially dangerous for drivers. AAA’s analysis of Ohio Department of Public Safety crash data, from 2006 to 2010, shows that during this time period more crashes happened in December than in any other month of the year, followed by November and January.
Every year it seems motorists need to re-learn how to drive on snow and ice. This leads to a number of crashes.
Drivers who spin out on slick roads and damage their vehicle in a crash must have collision coverage under their auto insurance policy to receive compensation for the damage done to their vehicle.
