In PA, Deer vs. vehicles = $1 billion problem with deaths and injuries

[Township75]

They've tried reflectors. They've tried lighted crosswalks. They've even tried constructing deer overpasses and underpasses.

But no matter what wildlife experts do, they've been unable to find an effective, affordable way to keep deer off highways.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the state Game Commission spend more than $1 million to collect 35,000 deer carcasses from roads, and officials estimate that at least 25,000 more are hit and die in the woods or on private roads.

Last year, those thousands of crashes resulted in the deaths of 14 motorists in Pennsylvania.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04326/415129.stm

from the article:


What does this tell us? Simple. If deer could vote, they would vote Republican, so go out and hunt!

[alwynsw]

1. I tried the whistlers on my bumper. I think it attracted them.

I'd never hit a deer in my life. Several folks I know getting them with cars instead of waiting until hunting season. I figured I'd try whistlers in order to be a little safer. After installing the whistlers, I hit two within 2 weeks. I didn't have my Jeep out of the shop from repairs after the first collision for 24 hours when I hit #2.

I took the whistlers off and haven't hit one since. I also slow down a bunch when I'm in areas they frequent, especially in reduced visibility conditions.

[MrSandman]

5. Sheriff's Dept.

Put large brushguards on the cruisers used at night. The Deputies say the reflection from the headlights on the guards are bothersome, but the $$$$ damage has gone down.

[Renew Deal]

2. I drove through PA this October.

I think on I-84 west and east. The road was covered in blood and deer parts. It's sick. I've never seen anything like it.

[Phentex]

3. I've been in a car that was hit by a deer

which nearly crashed through the windshield. It was terrifying! They seem to be drawn to my car as I see them all the time along I-85 here.

[Romulus]

4. jeez

I thought PA's deer population was in decline because it was being properly managed? :shrug: