TRANSPORTATION: DEER VS. CAR COLLISIONS ARE NUMEROUS, COSTLY

A supervisor for an Arkansas utility company came up with his own plan to scare deer off dark country roads. He taped some dogs barking, rigged an amplifier speaker to the front of his truck and then broadcast the tape as he cruised down highways.

But he had to abandon his plan. The loud barking was not only scaring deer, it was awakening residents who live near the road.

Deer can create nightmares for motorists. The National Safety Council estimates that deer-vehicle collisions annually account for more than 100 motorist deaths and 7,000 injuries nationally. The collisions kill as many as 350,000 deer each year.

Deer collisions are becoming more frequent as deer populations thrive. The average damage to a vehicle in a deer-vehicle crash is $2,000, and this is the dangerous time of year.

The highest number of auto accidents involving deer traditionally occur in October and November, making it a dangerous period for motorists traveling around the state, according to Calvin Call, executive director of the Missouri Insurance Information Service.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reported 8,143 deer-vehicle accidents in 1999.

"Statistics show that the majority of all deer-vehicle accidents in Missouri occur during the fall of the year," said Call. "Behavioral changes, especially increased activity associated with the mating season, crop harvesting, bow hunting and firearms hunting keep deer on the move."

Prevention explored

The number of Illinois deer-vehicle accidents is almost double Missouri totals, with more than 17,000 accidents a year.

Deer can be found on the move twice a year, in summer and fall. Conservation officials and insurance representatives warn motorists to be on the lookout now.

Over the past few years, everything from ultrasonic whistles to night vision programs to the barking dogs have been tried to cut down on the accidents.

Ultrasonic whistles mounted on vehicle bumpers emit a shrill tone when air passes through them as the vehicle travels over 30 miles per hour, but researchers have been unable to verify that deer respond to the sound.

Night vision, which uses an infrared camera to help drivers see things far beyond the headlights' glow, projects an image of the road ahead on a small patch of windshield just above the wipers. Deer, cars, other animals and pedestrians are visible from the heat they emit.

But drivers have to get used to the idea. The infrared image can be a distraction. Night vision is factory installed in certain automobiles, but it can be installed at a cost of about $2,000.

"We urge defensive driving," said Call. "It is necessary, and a few minor adjustments in traveling habits can reduce the risk of colliding with a deer. A good first step is to reduce your travel during the evening and early morning hours when the animals are most active."

Avoiding accidents

Here are some tips to avoid deer-related accidents:

* Slow down immediately when you spot a deer if you can do so without causing a traffic hazard. Do this even if the deer already has crossed the road. The animal could turn back into your path. Also, deer often travel in groups, and others may follow.

* Deer often are confused by vehicle headlights. When you see a deer, flash your lights or sound your horn to warn the deer of your approach. Use emergency flashers or pump your brakes to alert vehicles behind you to the danger ahead.

* Some deer-auto collisions are unavoidable, occurring when deer run into the sides of moving vehicles or leap in front of cars. If this happens, don't swerve wildly to avoid the animal. Some of the most severe deer-related accidents happen when drivers lose control of their vehicles while trying to avoid deer.

* Report deer-vehicle accidents to local law enforcement officials. Your report will help authorities track the incidence of deer-vehicle accidents.

* Watch newly constructed roads through deer habitat.