**Be Careful Driving Along U.S. Route 30 This Time of Year, Especially in Richland County**
Drivers should exercise extra caution when traveling along U.S. Route 30 during this time of year, particularly in Richland County. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, deer-related crashes tend to increase in November across Ohio due to the peak deer breeding season and the end of daylight saving time.
From 2020 to 2025, Richland County recorded the second-highest number of deer-related crashes in the state, with 2,820 accidents. Stark County experienced the most, with 3,235 accidents during the same period.
The patrol also reported that U.S. Route 30, which runs through both Richland and Stark counties, along with Interstate 77—which also bisects Stark County—saw the highest number of crashes. Over that time frame, there were 1,702 crashes on Route 30 and 1,544 on Interstate 77.
“The safety of Ohio’s motorists is our top priority, and that means being proactive about seasonal hazards like deer activity,” said patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones in a prepared statement. “We strongly encourage drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions, and always be prepared to stop their vehicle.”
Since the beginning of 2020, there have been 108,047 deer-involved crashes across Ohio. The patrol noted that these incidents resulted in 48 fatal crashes and 49 deaths. Interestingly, while motorcyclists are involved in only 1% of deer-related crashes, they account for a staggering 81% of the fatal crashes.
### Patrol Safety Tips on Avoiding Deer Collisions
Deer tend to be most active between dusk and dawn. To help drivers stay safe, the Ohio State Highway Patrol offers the following tips:
– **Scan the Road:** Look beyond your immediate headlights and watch the roadsides for deer movement.
– **Deer Travel in Groups:** If you spot one deer, assume others are nearby and proceed with caution.
– **Brake, Don’t Swerve:** If a collision is unavoidable, apply your brakes firmly while staying in your lane. Swerving can often lead to a more serious crash.
– **After the Crash:** Safely pull off the roadway and call 911 or the nearest patrol post to report the incident. Do not approach an injured deer, as it may be unpredictable.
By following these precautions, drivers can reduce the risk of deer-related accidents and help keep our roads safer for everyone.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/richland-county-second-most-deer-101217108.html