Deer Collisions Spiking

Deercars

Try not to bump into Bambi next month.

Motorists are three times more likely to run into a deer in November than in any other month, according to research compiled over the past five years by the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Last year, those run-ins killed 223 people, not just the deer.

"Urban sprawl means suburbia and deer habitat now intersect," said Kim Hazelbaker, a senior vice president of HLDI, which is an arm of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

More important is the fact that November begins breeding season. After waiting 12 months to mate, deer have does and bucks on their minds, not Impalas and Mustangs.

But don't put all the blame on Bambi.

HLDI figures show that in fatal accidents caused by striking deer, 60% of the victims were not wearing seat belts, and 65% of those on motorcycles were not wearing helmets.

HLDI says the worst times for potential collisions are night, dusk and dawn, and on roads posted with 55 mph speed limits.

"The caution flag is out," Hazelbaker said.

The states to be most watchful in are Texas, with 17 deaths from deer run-ins last year, Wisconsin (15), Michigan (11), Iowa (11) and Ohio (10).

Check out the Today Show segment on the phenomenon that aired this morning. One motorist had to have major reconstructive surgery due to a crash.

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cat

Oct 30, 2008 1:57:10 PM

"Watch Out for Wildlife" has some good information about how to avoid hitting deer and other animals, and what to do if you have hit a deer. Check it out at watchoutforwildlife.com

Oct 30, 2008 9:43:15 PM

Just gotta pay attention and be careful.

I see deers all the time in the campus, they like to graze at where I usually go to classes. And they are all over the place at night too.

Oct 30, 2008 9:45:45 PM

BTW,
Bambi might just see the Impala as its buddies anyway.

Tanya Mulford

Nov 3, 2008 12:17:33 PM

If you'd like tips for driving with wildlife in mind, go to The Humane Society of the United States website:

http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/wildlife_crossings_wild_animals_and_roads/suggestions_for_driving_with_wildlife_in_mind.html

You can also order a free Give Wildlife a Brake bumper sticker:
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/wildlife_crossings_wild_animals_and_roads/order_your_free_give_wildlife_a_brake_bumper_sticker.html

Troy

Nov 10, 2008 7:45:32 AM

we will see alot more deer hits in michigan in 09 sence the state has put a ban on bateing deer for the 08 hunt. i like that because i owen a body shop :). i hope no one get hurt .ps i would hate to be an auto insurance co. in 2009for they will be paying out hundreds of thousands of dollors in claims. :) troy