Fall and winter mean shorter daylight hours, which increases the chances of Ohio drivers running into the state’s abundant wildlife. Deer, especially, are very active during the fall mating season. They tend to be on the move between dusk and dawn when drivers have difficulty seeing them. Because motor vehicle crashes with large animals can produce thousands of dollars in damage, drivers need to exercise caution during the darker months.

Drivers should stay alert for animal hazards during the evening and predawn hours. People need to watch the roadsides for shining eyes. If they spot an animal, drivers should slow down immediately. A reduction in speed gives people more time to react. When someone needs to swerve, a lower speed also helps him or her retain control of the vehicle.

Wildlife and transportation officials strive to reduce the number of accidents by placing warning signs in areas known for having high animal traffic. If a driver sees one animal, he or she should expect more to be in the vicinity. People should slow down and flash their lights or honk the horn to scare animals away from the roadway. As in all driving situations, wearing a seatbelt often saves lives when accidents of any type happen. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, severe injuries and fatalities go down by half when people wear their seatbelts.

Reckless drivers also pose a threat to motorists. When a person gets hurt in a crash caused by someone who was speeding, texting, drinking or disobeying traffic laws, the reckless driver could be held responsible for financial damages. Columbus, Ohio, auto accident injuries compensation attorneys could assist a victim by preparing a lawsuit. A lawyer could organize evidence, urge an insurance adjuster to provide an adequate settlement or take the case to court when necessary.