Deer and Car Collisions

          As deer populations have continued to explode over the last century and roads have dominated every part of our country it is no surprise that every year thousands of accidents occur involving wildlife. According to the USDA 1-2 million accidents occur each year involving large animals, most of which are mule or whitetail deer. There are roughly 200 hundred humans who lose their lives in these accidents along with 2 billion dollars in property damage. So what can drivers do to help prevent these accidents? Think like a deer. As a driver it is important to note that deer do not see the same way that we do. When a pedestrian is trying to cross a street they are aware they must look both ways and if they see a car they  will automatically take in the cars speed and direction. Deer cannot do that. Deer's eyes are made to detect movement, not track movement like humans. Another thing to remember about deer's eyes is how they see light. The way that they gather light is much different than ours which is why they get the deer in the head lights look. Not only are they blinded by headlights but they are not able to detect they direction of the car. When driving on rural roads it is necessary to constantly be on the lookout for wildlife, often by the reflection of their eyes in the headlights. Also remember that deer usually travel in groups. In watching a video about this subject I realized that we, as drivers, have the responsibility to constantly think like the wildlife. If everyone does that our wildlife and friends and families can avoid damage to property or worse.

http://blogs.usda.gov/2014/12/10/think-like-a-deer-award-winning-video-aims-to-reduce-wildlife-vehicle-collisions/

http://internetbrothers.org/2014/12/27/think-like-a-deer-award-winning-video-aims-to-reduce-wildlife-vehicle-collisions/