Wednesday, November 15, 2006


WILDLIFE: According to a recently released insurance survey, collisions between automobiles and deer is an increasing problem on U.S. roads. Deer related car crashes, including wrecks involving elk and moose, are up almost six percent compared to last year's deer season.

Deer collisions become more frequent during the fall and winter due to animal migration and the mating season, which typically occur from October through December.

About 1.5 million deer/elk vehicle collisions happen each year in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those accidents cause about 150 deaths and $1.1 billion in property damage annually, according to NHTSA.

In Colorado, the Highway 160 corridor from Mancos to Pagosa Springs leads the state in the number of animal related crashes. Also, as the elk leave the high country and settle into the Animas Valley for the winter, automobile/elk collisions increase significantly. Increasing deer and elk populations together with continued encroachment into their natural habitat have added to the risk.

Drivers should slow down and use high-beam headlights as much as possible and be aware that deer and elk travel in groups. Where there is one, there are probably others close behind. "Deer whistles," devices that attach to the vehicles' front bumper have been shown to be ineffective. The best prevention is to use a little "common sense" when on the road.

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