Driving warning as deer season begins

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Deer breeding season runs from October to January, which means they're highly active and on the move.

Kathleen Shanahan-Aughe knows this all too well. Her husband recently hit a deer with his car.

"He was going to a hockey game and a deer just ran right out and he didn't even see it at all. It was on 70 kind of near Brookville and he just crashed right into it," explains Shanahan-Aughe.

Her husband wasn't hurt but not everyone is so lucky.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety reports more than 22,000 deer crashes in 2011, that includes seven fatalities-- up from four the previous year-- and more than 1,000 injuries.

Shanahan-Aughe credits the seatbelt with saving her husband's life and she has some advice for other drivers.

"Just to pay attention. We always wear our seatbelts anyway but I think that would've made a difference if he hadn't have been wearing his seatbelt," she says.

The Ohio Insurance Institute has some recommendations for drivers as well:

          -Make sure you drive at or below the speed limit in areas with deer-crossing signs

          -If you see a deer on or near the road, expect others to follow

          -Use high beams at night when possible to spot deer

          -Deer are found more frequently in heavily wooded places, but can also wander into suburban area

          -use extra caution during dusk and dawn when deer are most active

"During the peak times, slow down and just be more aware that they could be out and jump into the road and you have to be ready for that, comments Laura Engel.

"During those times, make sure you're driving the speed limit and make sure they're not flying all over the road and pay attention in deer areas," explains Alec Goodall.