The Ohio Department of Transportation says Stark and Lorain counties in northeast Ohio led the state in the number of deer crashes last year.
There were 514 reported in Stark County and 510 in Lorain County. Other deer crash "hot spots" in 2014 were Richland County in northern Ohio with 503 crashes, and Clermont and Hamilton counties in southwest Ohio, with 481 and 434 crashes, respectively. A study found that a two-mile stretch of State Route 64 in Lucas County in northwest Ohio had the most deer-vehicle crashes - 19 - of any specific location. Transportation officials say the number of crashes is highest during deer mating season, roughly October through December. They advise motorists to be alert, especially when driving through rural areas, or areas with known deer populations. Most deer vehicle crashes occur between 5 pm and 1 am.