Winter months in Ohio come with unique driving challenges, including the ongoing risk of deer collisions. Even though the peak deer season is in the fall, winter conditions—shorter days, icy roads, and the search for scarce food—keep deer on the move, creating a significant hazard for drivers.

Our team at D&S Automotive, with convenient locations across Northeast Ohio, is here to help you stay safe on the roads and provide expert repairs if you find yourself in an unfortunate collision with a deer.

In this blog, we’ll explore why deer collisions are still common in winter, share strategies for avoiding them, and explain how each of our collision centers in Mentor, Chardon, East Mentor, Elyria, and Kirtland is ready to assist you if the unexpected happens.

Why Are Deer Collisions Common During Winter?

1. Deer Migration and Food Shortages

With limited food options in winter, deer venture closer to roads in search of sustenance. This behavior increases their presence on highways and rural roads, making deer encounters more frequent during the colder months.

2. Reduced Daylight

Ohio’s short winter days mean that more drivers are on the road at dawn and dusk, prime times for deer activity. Combined with the reduced visibility due to winter weather, this makes spotting deer more challenging.

3. Slippery, Snow-Covered Roads

When you do spot a deer, icy or snowy roads can make it harder to stop quickly or control your vehicle if you swerve. Maintaining control becomes essential for avoiding accidents, especially with winter road conditions.

Tips to Avoid Deer Collisions in Winter

To help you stay safe, here are some practical tips for avoiding deer collisions:

1. Slow Down During High-Risk Times

• Our Locations: Drivers in rural and semi-rural areas, such as those near Chardon and Kirtland, should be particularly cautious at dusk and dawn. Reducing your speed in these high-risk times can give you more time to react if a deer appears.

2. Use High Beams When Safe

• High beams improve visibility and can help you spot a deer’s reflective eyes. If you’re driving near Mentor or Elyria on dark, open roads, high beams can provide added visibility, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.

3. Don’t Swerve; Brake Firmly

• If a deer crosses your path, stay calm and brake firmly instead of swerving. This can help you avoid a more serious accident, especially on icy roads in areas near East Mentor or Elyria.

4. Stay Alert for Groups of Deer

• Deer often travel in groups. If you see one deer crossing the road, expect others to follow. This is especially important on rural roads leading to areas like Chardon or Kirtland, where deer populations are higher.

5. Stay Aware of Deer Crossing Signs

• Deer crossing signs are placed in areas with frequent deer activity. Drivers near our Mentor and Chardon locations should pay extra attention to these signs, as they indicate areas where deer are likely to be nearby.

What to Do If You Hit a Deer

If you’re involved in a deer collision, the steps you take immediately after can help ensure your safety and make the repair and insurance process smoother:

1. Stay Safe and Move Your Vehicle: Pull over to the side of the road if possible, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Document the Damage: Take photos of your vehicle’s damage and note the location and time of the accident. This documentation will help with your insurance claim.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance provider about the accident. D&S Automotive works directly with major insurers, so we can assist you with claims processing at each of our locations.
4. Bring Your Vehicle to D&S Automotive: If your car sustains damage, bring it to one of our collision centers in Mentor, East Mentor, Chardon, Elyria, or Kirtland. We’ll assess the damage and provide a detailed estimate to help you get back on the road safely.

How D&S Automotive Can Help After a Deer Collision

Mentor Collision Center

Located at 7588 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060, our Mentor body shop offers comprehensive repair services, including bodywork, paint matching, and glass repair. Call us at (440) 946-2178 to set up an appointment if you need prompt assistance after a deer collision.

Chardon Collision Center

Serving the Chardon community, our auto body shop at 540 Fifth Ave., Chardon, OH 44024 specializes in collision repairs, frame and unibody alignment, and structural repairs. For professional service, contact us at (440) 279-4615.

East Mentor Collision Center

Our East Mentor location, at 8700 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060, provides expert repairs and insurance assistance. We can guide you through the claims process and repair your vehicle with care. Call (440) 255-5400 to reach our East Mentor team.

Elyria Collision Center

For drivers in Elyria and Lorain County, our newly transitionedD&S Automotive Elyria center at 747 Sugar Ln, Elyria, OH 44035 is ready to help after a deer collision. We offer repair services for all major makes and models, and you can reach us at (440) 366-5696.

Kirtland Collision Center

Our Kirtland body shop, located at 7920 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland, OH 44094, serves as a reliable destination for repairs after deer accidents. Contact us at (440) 367-8135 for help restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition.

Why Choose D&S Automotive for Deer Collision Repairs

At D&S Automotive, we understand that deer collisions can be stressful and unexpected. Each of our locations is staffed with I-CAR and ASE-certified technicians trained to restore your vehicle to its best condition after an accident. Here’s why drivers across Northeast Ohio trust us with their collision repairs:

• Insurance Claims Assistance: We work closely with major insurance companies, including Progressive, State Farm, and Nationwide, to streamline the claims process for our customers.
• Expert Technicians and State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our team uses advanced tools and PPG computerized color matching to ensure accurate and high-quality repairs.
• Convenient Pickup and Delivery: For customers within 15 miles of our locations, we offer pickup and delivery services, making it easier to get your vehicle repaired without added stress.
• Rental Car Assistance: If you need a rental car while we repair yours, we’ll coordinate with Enterprise and Hertz to make sure you stay on the road.

Contact Us Today for Assistance with Deer Collision Repairs

If you’ve been involved in a deer collision, let D&S Automotive handle the repair process for you. With multiple locations throughout Northeast Ohio, our team is ready to provide the expert care you need.

Contact us today to schedule a free estimate or to learn more about how we can help you get back on the road safely:

• Mentor Collision Center: (440) 946-2178
• Chardon Collision Center: (440) 279-4615
• East Mentor Collision Center: (440) 255-5400
• Elyria Collision Center: (440) 366-5696
• Kirtland Collision Center: (440) 367-8135

Our team at D&S Automotive is here to help you stay safe and confident on Ohio’s winter roads. Let us take care of your repair needs with the professionalism and expertise you can trust.