Researchers Say Preventing Deer-Vehicle Collisions Costly
By Marcus Constantino, Charleston Daily Mail, W.Va. |
A joint research project by the
The project was conducted as part of a 2011 legislative audit of the
Nichols said although there are potential techniques for mitigating deer-vehicle collisions in
"In my opinion, it's not an issue that the DOT should tackle just because it's a widespread issue," Nichols said. "Honestly, short of just having fewer deer, it's up to the drivers themselves to be alert. The DOT installs deer crossing signs, but I'm sure the average driver wouldn't be able to tell you where those are during the daily commute, and research shows those signs aren't effective."
The 293-page report analyzes deer-vehicle collision data pulled from police crash reports statewide from 2008 to 2012 and identifies potential ways the crashes could be mitigated. Nichols said the data doesn't show the entire scope of
The report identified 18 high-frequency deer-vehicle collision highway segments (13 or more reported collisions in five years) in the state.
The report outlines several mitigation techniques, including the installation of more wildlife fencing, enhanced deer crossing signs that flash yellow when deer are near the roadway, and setting lower nighttime speed limits. Wildlife fencing is taller than standard roadside fencing, preventing mammals such as deer from leaping over the fence and into the path of traffic.
Wildlife fencing has proven effective in at least one part of
The downside to installing the fencing is its cost. Though researchers say deer-vehicle collisions in
Nichols discussed the report with members of the
"I've known some people that have lost their lives because of deer coming across and jumping across corridors and landing in vehicles," Kirkendoll said. "It's happened in my area. I think you could have some way to try to increase hunting -- maybe with some more advertising or more hunting events -- that would create some more hunting activity. I don't see a downside to that."
Though deer-vehicle collisions are expensive -- the average property damage claim is
Nichols said there were 1,517 traffic fatalities from 2008 to 2012, and only 12 of those resulted from deer-involved collisions. He said only 2.2 percent of crashes with injuries in the state during that time period were deer-related.
"The problem is, in terms of mitigating, you've got these (deer-vehicle collisions) that are competing with other types of crashes so it becomes a prioritizing exercise," Nichols said. "When you look at an annualized cost of more than
"Automobiles will avoid those collisions in the future," Staggers said. "I think the smart automobile is more of an answer than the state doing anything ... I think the solution is already coming. We don't have to do anything or spend any money."
The entire report can be found online at www.njrati.org/research.
Contact writer
___
(c)2014 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Source: | Tribune Content Agency |
Wordcount: | 1063 |
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News