Increased deer movement means extra caution needed on Iowa roadways
AMES, Iowa – Oct. 22, 2009 – About this time every year Iowa motorists are confronted with a moving danger – deer that run onto the road. Because deer movements increase in the fall, the risk for deer-vehicle crashes also increases during October, November and December.
There is certainly little a driver can do about deer movements, but a driver can be more aware of their habits and reduce the risk of coming in contact with deer. In 2008, an estimated 7,254 drivers reported collisions with deer in Iowa, causing nine motorist deaths and an estimated 442 motorist injuries. Since 2001, 56 people have died in Iowa as a result of motor vehicle crashes involving animals.
In data released from insurer State Farm in late September, Iowa ranks fourth in the United States for deer-vehicle collisions. West Virginia, the most likely place to hit a deer, shows a 1 in 39 chance of a vehicle striking a deer over the course of the year. Michigan is second in likelihood of deer collisions, while Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Montana also rank in the top five.
State Farm reports the cost of deer-vehicle collisions has nearly doubled over the past 10 years, now up to $3,050 per incident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 150 fatalities nationwide each year are caused by deer-vehicle collisions.
If a deer runs into the path of your vehicle, not veering to avoid the animal greatly increases the chances of maintaining control of your vehicle. Most deer crash injuries and deaths result when drivers attempt to avoid the animal. This action often results in drivers losing control and colliding with other vehicles. Veering can also cause your vehicle to enter roadside ditches, strike fixed objects or roll over.
The best course of action in a vehicle other than a motorcycle:
· Brake firmly.
· Steer to maintain control.
· Stop safely within your lane or along the shoulder of the highway.
· Use your safety belt to reduce your chance of personal injury.
The following motor vehicle driver tips will reduce the risk of deer crashes:
· Slow down when you see a deer warning sign – pay greater attention.
· Be especially careful driving near dawn and dusk.
· When driving at night in a deer crossing area, reduce your speed to less than 50 mph (the distance lit by your headlights) or use highbeams when no other traffic is around.
· If you see one deer, expect others.
· Remember that November and December are deer rutting season when deer are more mobile and less cautious.
· Be aware that deer hunting season causes deer to be more mobile.
· Expect to see more deer during corn harvest as harvest removes some habitat and seems to cause more mobility.
· Be most alert for the presence of deer at locations where three factors converge:
o Food (corn fields or recently harvested corn fields)
o Shelter (woods)
o Water (streams)
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Contact: Troy Jerman at 515-239-1470 or troy.jerman@dot.iowa.gov
