Fall in Ohio brings football, changing leaves, cooler temperatures and plenty of reasons to get out on the road. It also brings a couple of driving hazards that deserve some extra attention.

At Jim Yarger’s Body Shop, we see what can happen when drivers get caught off guard. Two things to watch for this time of year are wet, leaf-covered roads and deer.

Wet Leaves Can Be Slick

A road covered with colorful leaves looks great, but once those leaves get wet, they can become surprisingly slippery.

Wet pavement already reduces traction, and wet leaves can make it even harder for your tires to grip the road. That means longer stopping distances and less control when braking or turning.

A good fall driving tip: Slow down when you see wet leaves, especially around curves, intersections and shaded areas where leaves tend to collect.

It’s also a good time to check your tires. Proper inflation and good tread are important whenever you’re dealing with wet roads.

Watch for Deer

If you’ve lived in Northwest Ohio for a while, you probably know deer and vehicles can be a bad combination.

The numbers are worth noting. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, more than 109,000 deer-involved crashes occurred in Ohio from 2019 through 2023. Nearly half — 47% — happened during October, November and December. November alone accounted for 22%.

Deer are especially active around dawn and dusk, which happens to be when many people are commuting. In Ohio, 26% of deer crashes occurred between 5 and 7:59 a.m., while another 32% happened between 6 and 9:59 p.m.

A few things to remember:

Slow down around dawn and dusk.

Watch the sides of the road, not just what’s directly ahead.

If you see one deer, look for another.

If a deer runs into the road, brake rather than swerve. Swerving can cause you to lose control or hit another vehicle.

Keep your headlights and windshield clean so you can see clearly.

Deer Can Do Some Serious Damage

Here’s another number that might surprise you: about 95% of deer-involved crashes result in property damage only. That’s good news from a safety standpoint, but the damage can still be significant.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported an average claim of $5,980 for an automobile involved in an animal crash in 2023.

Enjoy Fall. Just Pay Attention.

There’s a lot to love about fall in Ohio — football, changing leaves, cool evenings and time with family and friends.

Just remember that the roads change with the season, too.

Slow down when they’re wet. Watch for deer. Give yourself some extra stopping distance, especially during those early morning and evening drives.

And if the unexpected does happen, Yarger’s Body Shop has a team of “Can Do” people ready to help get you back on the road.

Drive safe and enjoy the season!