LITERATURE SUMMARY
ASSESSING METHODS
FOR REDUCING DEER-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Prepared by Mark Watson and Jon Klingel
15 May 2000
Summary :
We provide a review and summary of the literature assessing mitigation
strategies and techniques for reducing deer-vehicle accidents
(DVA). Much of the information, including criticisms of
certain techniques and recommendations, are summarized in two
reviews of the literature by Danielson and Hubbard (1998), and
Reed (1995). These reviews considered the following methods
for reducing DVA: 1) fencing; 2) crosswalks; 3) underpasses; 4)
overpasses; 5) wildlife reflectors; 6) wildlife warning whistles;
7) highway lighting; 8) vegetation manipulations, intercept feeding
and salt alternatives; 9) warning signs, speed limit reduction
and driver education; 10) chemical repellants; 11) deer herd reduction;
and 12) possible vehicle modifications and devices.
Reed (1995) found that a 2.44 meter (eight foot) fence was effective
if constructed properly, adequately maintained, and used in conjunction
with underpasses or overpasses and one-way gates. Well-maintained
fencing is apparently the only certain method for significantly
reducing
DVA on primary roads (Falk et al. 1978, Putnam 1997).
Reed (1995) gave fencing a 78.5% effectiveness rating at reducing
DVA (see Reed 1995, Table 2).
Underpasses are effective if used with fencing and designed and
constructed with an "openness factor" (underpass height times
the width, divided by the length) that does not preclude cervid
use (Reed 1995). Overpasses are effective if used in conjunction
with fencing and designed with a "bridge effect factor" (width
times the square root of the height divided by the length) that
does not preclude cervid use (Reed 1995). For high traffic-volume
roads, a combination of fencing and wildlife underpasses or overpasses
appears to be the most successful strategy for reducing DVA (Bruinderink
and Hazebroek 1996).
Romin and Bisonnette (1996) identified methods that alter deer
behavior and movements, such as fencing, intercept feeding and
overpasses or underpasses, as the most promising techniques currently
available, and recommended additional research along those lines.
Properly designed experimental studies investigating the effectiveness
of driver education, hunting, speed reduction and ultrasonics
at reducing DVA are lacking (Reed 1995). Highway lighting
and increased-visibility warning signs have not been shown to
be effective at modifying driver behavior and reducing DVA (Reed
1995). Studies of the effects of vegetation manipulation
along roadways are inadequate (Reed 1995). Studies results
from wildlife reflector tests have produced conflicting results,
but in general, these studies have not been designed with adequate
controls or sample sizes to provide statistically significant
results (Reed 1995). Reed (1995) recommends that additional
research be conducted to determine the effectiveness of these
methods.
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) discussed the status of current
research for future technologies for reducing DVA, and find promise
in the development of infra-red sensing devices triggered by animal
movements that relay signals to warning signs at deer crossing
areas.
Putnam (1997) strongly suggested that the determination of an
appropriate method for reducing DVA should be based on as complete
an understanding of the accident patterns as possible, including
wildlife and traffic patterns and processes. Bruinderink
and Hazebroek (1996) stated that daily and seasonal patterns of
accidents and life-history attributes and population dynamics
of target animals should be used to develop strategies for reducing
DVA. DVA mitigation applications could be site or species
specific (Romin and Bissonette 1996).
Background :
DVA have increased significantly in North America since 1980
(Romin and Bissonette 1996). Williamson (1980) reported
that 200,000 deer were killed from DVA in the U.S. in 1980.
Romin and Bissonette (1996) estimated that more than 538,000 deer
were killed in the U.S. by vehicles in 1991. This estimate
must be considered conservative since numerous DVA are not reported,
and included DVA data from only 36 states (Lehnert and Bissonette
1997). Conover et al. (1995) reports that an estimated
1.5 million DVA occur annually in the U.S., and only 50% of DVA
are reported or documented (Decker et al. 1990, Romin 1994).
Conover et al. (1995) estimated that DVA in the U.S. annually
result in 211 human fatalities, 29,000 human injuries, and more
than $1 billion in property damage. Danielson and Hubbard
(1998) estimate combined annual economic loss in the U.S. from
DVA at more than two billion dollars from human and animal casualties
and property damage.
Romin and Bissonette (1996) found that most states in the U.S.
have implemented techniques to reduce DVA, but very little evaluation
of performance had been conducted by implementing agencies.
They conducted a study that found that 42 of 43 states had implemented
DVA mitigation techniques (see Romin and Bissonette 1996, Table
2). Of 10 different mitigation techniques implemented (similar
to methods evaluated in Reed 1995), deer crossing signs and public
awareness programs were the most frequently used; however, over
60% of these states did not know if the techniques were successful.
Putnam (1997) found that techniques implemented to reduce DVA
are often arbitrary and without follow-up monitoring to determine
effectiveness, therefore cost-to-benefit ratios are poorly understood.
Romin and Bissonette (1996) found that peer-reviewed literature
on DVA reduction methods is limited and found primarily in state
agency publications. They found few rigorous evaluations
of method effectiveness, and that most evaluations that were conducted
were based on opinion.
Problems with past research
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) identify two major deficiencies
that have precluded the majority of DVA mitigation studies from
providing statistically valid results: 1) the lack of control
areas to compare to treatment areas; and 2) the lack of adequate
replication of treatment and control areas. Studies without
controls lack the ability to compare treatment results with uncontrolled
variables such as yearly weather variability, population and traffic
fluctuations, and habitat changes. Studies without adequate
replication may not provide the statistical power to determine
if a treatment actually works.
Methods used for reducing deer-vehicle accidents
1. Fencing
Fences are used to mitigate collisions by either precluding animals
from entering highways, or diverting animals to crossing structures
such as underpasses or overpasses (Reed 1995). Several
studies (Free and Severinghaus undated; Lavsund and Sandegren
1991; Reed et al. 1979; Ward et al. 1979; and Ward 1982) have
shown fencing (primarily 2.44 meter, 8-foot fence) to be effective
at reducing DVA.
Romin and Bissonette (1996) reported that 10 states used a combination
of fencing, overpasses or underpasses to mitigate DVA, but more
than 90% of these states believed fencing was effective at reducing
DVA (see Romin and Bissonette 1996, Table 3). Danielson
and Hubbard (1998) reported that reduction of DVA from the installation
of fencing has been documented in Colorado, Minnesota (Ludwig
and Bremicker 1983), and Pennsylvania (Falk et al. 1978, Feldhamer
et al. 1986). Ward (1982) documented a 90% DVA reduction
along a 7.8 mile segment of I-70 in Colorado where an 8-foot deer
fence was installed.
According to Reed (1995), to ensure approximately 80-90% collision
reduction after installation, 8-foot fences must be resistant
to deer passage by ensuring adequate basal closure during construction
and providing constant maintenance. Danielson and Hubbard
(1998) also emphasize that fencing must be maintained by regularly
inspection and repair to preclude deer entry onto roads.
Ward (1982) reported that mule deer along Interstate 80 in Wyoming
continually tested fencing, requiring a rigorous maintenance program.
Reed (1995) stated that 8-foot fences must extend approximately
0.8 km (0.5 mi.) beyond deer concentration areas, and crossing
structures (overpasses or underpasses) should be located at least
every 1.6 km (1.0 mi.) along the fenceline.
Fencing cannot totally preclude ungulates from entering roadways,
so adequate exits established along the fenceline may further
reduce DVA (Feldhamer et al. 1986). Fencing effectiveness
is improved by providing an opportunity for escape to ungulates
trapped on the roadway (Putnam 1997).
Reed (1995) reported that one-way gates strategically located
near drainages or vegetative cover were effective in allowing
deer to escape highway right-of-ways (ROWs) when used in conjunction
with 8-foot fences. One-way gates can be modified for use
by other cervids such as elk (Reed et al. 1974a). However,
Lehnert and Bissonette (1997) reported that only 16.5% of mule
deer (n = 243) recorded within a right-of way between 2.3 meter
(7.5 ft) fence in Utah used one-way gates for escape, suggesting
a reluctance to use the gates. They suggested that earthen
ramps may prove an effective method for deer to escape highway
ROWs.
Ward (1982) found that on- and off-ramps, fencing holes and erosion
gaps are problem areas for concern when considering fencing as
a mitigation tool. Deer guards should be installed on interchange
ramps (Ward 1982). At least one new "roll-bar" deer guard
has been designed but not yet tested (Reed et al. 1974b; Reed
et al 1979).
Feldhamer et al. (1986) recommended that DVA reduction efforts
focus on increasing the effectiveness of deer fencing and reducing
the attractiveness highway rights-of ways to deer.
Fencing costs
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) reported that although fencing used
in conjunction with other techniques may be the most effective
strategy for reducing DVA, costs of construction and maintenance
may be prohibitive, and probably will only be feasible on major
roads (Putnam 1997).
Ward (1982) reporteds installation costs of $240,000 for 7.8
miles (ca. $31,000 per mile) of eight-foot game fence along Interstate
80 in Wyoming in the early 1970s. Reed et al. (1982) approximated
maintenance costs for fencing to be 1% of construction costs per
year. Danielson and Hubbard (1998) stated that the Iowa
Department of Transportation estimated the costs of materials
and installation for 8-foot chain-link fence at $42,000 per mile
(for one side of the road). BRW (1999) estimates the cost
of materials and construction for 8-foot deer fencing for U.S.
Highway 550 from Aztec to the Colorado border at $10-12 per linear
foot ($52,800-63,360 per mile).
Fencing cost-benefit ratio
Reed et al. (1982) reports that even if fencing is 100% effective
at eliminating DVA, there will be a certain DVA rate at which
the benefits do not outweigh the costs. Reed et al. (1982)
recommended that fencing be constructed if the benefit to cost
ratio exceeded 1.36:1. In Pennsylvania, Bashore et al.
(1985) concluded that fencing was the cheapest and most effective
technique for reducing white-tail DVA along short stretches of
highway.
2. Crosswalks
Crosswalks are used in conjunction with fencing to force deer
to cross at well-signed specific crossing locations (Danielson
and Hubbard 1998). Although not statistically validated
due to lack of replication, Lehnert and Bissonette (1997) found
in Utah that deer mortality from DVA
declined 42.3% and 36.8% along a 4-lane and 2-lane highway respectively,
where highway crosswalks were used. They found that the
lack of motorist response to crosswalk warning signs, the tendency
for foraging deer to wander outside crosswalk boundaries, and
the relative ineffectiveness of 1-way escape gates contributed
to most deer mortalities in the treatment areas. They recommended
improving crosswalk design by moving fences inward closer to the
highway to allow deer more access to desirable forage along the
ROW.
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) stated that complete elimination
of DVA by installing crosswalks is unlikely, but found them to
be a lower cost alternative to overpass and underpass construction.
Lehnert and Bissonette (1997) estimated the cost of constructing
deer crosswalks at $28,000 and $15,000 per structure for the 4-lane
and 2-lane highways, respectively. These costs did not
include fence or 1-way gate construction.
3. Underpasses
Underpasses are used primarily in conjunction with fencing to
funnel animals to the structures (Putnam 1997). The theoretical
basis for their design is that an underpass not be so long, narrow
and confining as to preclude use by deer. The factor developed
to measure this response is "openness effect", determined by the
underpass height, times the width, divided by the length.
Reed et al. (1975) and Reed (1981) documented deer use of an
underpass (openness factor of 0.31) built specifically for deer
under I-70 in western Colorado. These studies determined
that deer adapted to using the underpass over time, but that some
deer continued to be reluctant to use the underpass. Reed
et al. (1979) reported on 11 other underpasses used by deer, two
of which were twin bridge structures (4.57 and 5.57 openness factor)
built specifically for deer. Deer showed no reluctance
using these underpasses compared to the 0.31 openness factor in
the other two studies.
Ward (1982) investigated deer use of 7 underpasses in southeast
Wyoming. The underpass receiving the most usage had an
openness factor of 5.44. Ward (1982) suggested that deer
exhibited a learning response to the underpass over time.
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) reported that for underpasses and
other ROW crossing methods to be effective, structures must be
located where natural wildlife corridors occur (Bruinderink and
Hazebroek 1996). In Idaho, crossing structures that were
not located at traditional game corridors failed to reduce DVA,
and fencing to redirect deer to crossing structures outside of
natural corridors were ineffective (Hanna 1992).
Reed (pers. comm.) recommends an openness factor of near 2.0
for underpasses to be effective. Reed (1995) gave underpasses
a 78.5% effectiveness rating at reducing deer-vehicle accidents.
4. Overpasses
Overpasses are also used primarily in conjunction with fencing
to funnel animals to the structure (Putnam 1997). A theoretical
basis for design is that overpasses not preclude cervid crossing
by being too high, long or narrow. The factor developed
to measure this response is "bridge effect" (bridge width times
the square root of the height divided by the length). Putnam
(1997) stated that overpasses require a minimum width of 30 meters
and must be covered with dirt and grass to be effectively used
by animals.
Reed et al. (1979) investigated the willingness of deer to cross
overpasses of 0.43 and 0.65 bridge effect in Colorado.
Deer showed slight to moderate reluctance to cross. Reed
(1995) stated that twin overpasses each with a bridge effect of
0.26 were recently constructed over I-15 in Utah specifically
for deer. Location, topography, vegetative cover and lack
of overhead structures were considered important factors influencing
the design and construction of these overpasses.
Studies have also investigated the use of overpasses by reindeer
(Klein 1971) and caribou (Child 1974). Increased protective
cover on both sides of overpasses and underpasses increases the
likelihood of use by deer and other wildlife, although both overpasses
and underpasses require an adjustment period for deer to become
accustomed to using them (Putnam 1997).
Reed (1995) gave overpasses an 88.1% effectiveness rating at
reducing DVA. However, Danielson and Hubbard (1998) stated
that wildlife use of overpasses appeared to be less than underpasses.
5. Reflectors
The intent of wildlife reflectors is to redirect light from vehicle
headlights to the side of the highway, creating a wall of light
that supposedly stops deer from entering the roadway until after
the vehicle has passed. In theory, in contrast to fencing,
wildlife reflectors provide a "barrier" to wildlife only when
vehicles are present at night, allowing otherwise normal wildlife
movements across the roadway (Danielson and Hubbard 1998, Putnam
1997).
Reed (1995) identified two types of wildlife reflectors that
have been tested; a stainless steel mirror, and the Swareflex
reflector, a red plastic lens developed by the Austrian firm Swarovski
& Co. The hypothesis driving the development and marketing
of the Swareflex reflector is that deer respond adversely to red
light, since it has been suggested that a predator's eyes appear
red to deer.
Reed (1995) stated that although a number of reflector studies
have been conducted, most have not had adequate sample sizes or
controls to differentiate temporal and/or area effects, such as
changes in deer population and traffic levels. Reed (1995)
cited several studies (Gordon 1969, Woodward et al. 1973, Almkvist
et al. 1980, Gilbert 1982, Olbrich 1984) that concluded that reflectors
were not effective at reducing DVA. Danielson and Hubbard
(1998) cite other studies (Reeve and Anderson 1993, Ford and Villa
1993, Gilbert 1982, Waring et al.) that also concluded that Swareflex
reflectors were ineffective at reducing DVA.
However, Schafer and Penland (1985) controlled for differential
area and temporal effects (changes in deer populations, traffic
levels and other environmental trends) and found a statistically
significant difference suggesting that Swareflex reflectors were
effective at reducing deer-vehicle accidents in Washington.
This study did not, however, meet the sample size of at least
95 accidents needed to test the null hypothesis, as recommended
by White (1983).
Zacks (1986) found no evidence that white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus
virginianus ) responded negatively to red light generated
by Swareflex reflectors. He suggested that the positive
results found in Schafer and Penland (1985) and Schafer et al.
(1985) were more likely the result of increased driver awareness
than the effect of the reflectors on deer behavior.
Reed (1995) summarized wildlife reflector research as providing
conflicting results, but suggested that the premise underlying
Swareflex reflectors (that deer avoid red light) is likely flawed.
6. Wildlife warning whistles
Wildlife warning whistles are mounted on vehicles and are intended
to warn animals of approaching vehicles. These ultrasonic
devices operate at frequencies of 16-20 kHz (Romin and Dalton
1992, Danielson and Hubbard 1998).
Reed (1995) was aware of only a few studies specifically testing
the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices at reducing DVA.
Schober and Sommer (1984) found several acoustic devices ineffective,
including the Sav-A-Life deer-whistle marketed in the U.S. and
Canada. Romin and Dalton (1992) did not detect any differences
in responses from 150 groups of free-roaming mule deer to vehicles
mounted with and without Sav-A-Life and Game Tracker wildlife
warning whistles. Bomford and O'Brien (1990) found that
ultrasonic devices did not perform as claimed when testing deterrents
for animal damage control applications. Sales and Pye (1974)
did not include ungulate species in their list of animals possessing
ultrasonic sound capability. Some sources recommend low-frequency
sounds (<20,000 Hz) for repelling ungulates, although deer
appear to habituate to the sight and sound of traffic (Reed 1995).
Reed (1995) suggested that additional research be conducted to
answer two fundamental questions: 1) do cervids possess ultrasonic
hearing capabilities greater than 20,000 Hz; and 2) do cervids
habituate to sound stimuli in the ultrasonic range, if it is perceived.
7. Highway lighting
Reed et al. (1979) and Reed and Woodward (1981) tested the hypothesis
that increased highway lighting would reduce DVA, but found that
increased illumination was not effective at reducing DVA under
the conditions of their studies. Reed (1981a) concluded
that increased highway illumination was not effective at reducing
DVA.
8. Vegetation manipulation, intercept feeding
and salt alternatives
Since highway ROWs may provide attractive food sources for deer,
palatable plants and mast producing trees should not be planted
(Bruinderink and Hazebroek 1996, Leedy and Adams 1982).
Hafenrichter et al. (1968) recommended streambank wheatgrass
( Agropyron riparium ) as a less palatable grass species
that has been used along highway ROWs.
Pojar (1971) tested the hypothesis that reduced vegetative cover
along roadsides would reduce accidents by increasing motorist
visibility. Sufficient evidence was not provided by the
study to support the hypothesis.
Reed (1995) reported minimal testing of the effectiveness of
vegetation manipulation on DVA. Svoboda (1974) found that
attempts to establish roadside plant communities unattractive
to deer have not always been successful.
Wood and Wolf (1988) report that providing deer with foraging
areas between bedding areas and highway ROWs may have reduced
DVA by 50% in Utah. However, they recommend intercept feeding
only as a short-term DVA mitigation strategy and only in areas
of high deer concentrations (Wood and Wolf 1998).
Bruinderink and Hazebroek (1996) report that road salting for
deicing may attract deer to highway ROWs. Feldhamer et
al. (1986) recommeded using deicers other than salt to reduce
the attractiveness of DVA. Bruinderink and Hazebroek (1996)
recommended using calcium magnesium acetate instead on sodium
chloride for deicing roads.
9. Warning signs, speed limit reduction and driver education
Signs warning drivers of high-risk deer crossing areas are the
most common DVA mitigation strategy (Putnam 1997). Reed
(1995) stated that warning signs are a possible method to reduce
DVA by increasing driver awareness and/or reducing driver speed.
Mansfield and Miller (1975) concluded that 76x76 cm. symbol-type
warning signs were effective at reducing DVA in 11 of 19 study
areas in California. Reed (1995) states, however, that
in 9 of the 11 successful areas, the differences were not statistically
significant.
Pojar et al. (1975) found that mule deer-vehicle accidents were
not significantly reduced by lighted, animated deer crossing signs
in Colorado. Drivers apparently did see the signs but did
not respond by reducing speed or increasing awareness enough to
significantly affect DVA frequency. Reed (1995) reports
that similar research on the effectiveness of signs in reducing
DVA accidents in Sweden showed these measures to be ineffective
as well (Edholm and Kolsrud 1960, Aberg 1981).
The greatest motorist speed reduction response was recorded by
Pojar et al. (1975) after placing three dead deer carcasses on
the highway shoulder close to a deer crossing sign. Vehicle
speed was reduced by an average of 7.85 mph, but the test was
discontinued for liability reasons.
No specific research has been conducted to determine the effectiveness
of driver education on mitigating DVA (Danielson and Hubbard 1998,
Reed 1995, Romin and Bissonette 1996). Reed (1995) suggested
that even with intensive driver education using simulators or
other methods, reduction of DVA rates would be minimal due to
other uncontrolled conditions such as nighttime vision impediments,
weather, and road conditions.
10. Chemical Repellents
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) reported that chemical repellants
have been used in Europe to reduce DVA. Putnam (1997) reported
that chemical repellents are sprayed along roadways in Germany
to create ungulate avoidance "fences", but this method has not
been tested adequately.
11. Deer herd reduction
Reed (1995) was not aware of research designed specifically to
evaluate the effectiveness of hunting in reducing DVA.
He suggests that both-sex hunts could reduce or eliminate subpopulations,
thereby reducing or eliminating DVA occurrence, but warns that
implementing this strategy could be difficult to defend from a
philosophical and public policy perspective. Waring et
al. (1991) found that DVA did not decline on their study area,
although the white-tail deer population was decreased.
12. Possible vehicle modifications and devices
Danielson and Hubbard (1998) reported on alternative technological
devices in the testing phase that may be available in the future
to deter DVA. These include: 1) modified vehicle headlights
that may reduce the tendency for deer to freeze in the headlight
glare, which are currently being used in Europe (low-glare headlights
are illegal in the U.S.); 2) infra-red detection systems developed
by General Motors that are currently being offered in some models;
and 3) intermittently lighted warning signs at deer crosswalks
(or high DVA areas) that are triggered by ungulate movements or
body heat.
Of these techniques, Danielson and Hubbard (1998) suggest that
infra-red sensing devices used in conjunction with solar-powered
warning signs hold the most promise for the future for reducing
DVA. They estimate costs at $1000-1200 per unit, with biennial
replacement costs of $7-10 per unit.
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Recommended further reading:
Forman, T.T. and D. Sperling. 2003. Road Ecology. Science
and Solutions . Island Press, Washington, D.C. 481 pp.
Sullivan, T.L. and T.A. Messmer. 2002. Nationwide Perceptions
of State Wildlife Agency and Department of Transportation Administors
Regarding Deer-Vehicle Collisions and their Management. Final
Report. Jack Berryman Institue, Utah State University, Logan,
UT.
Transportation Research Board of the National Academies. 2002.
Interaction Between Roadways and Wildlife Ecology. A Synthesis
of Highway Practice. NCHRP Synthesis 305. National Cooperative
Highway Research Program. Can be ordered at http://www.national-academies.org/trb/bookstore
U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
2002. Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Across European Highways.
International Technology Exchange Program.
White, P.A. and M. Ernst. No date. Second Nature. Improving Transportation
Without Putting Nature Second. Surface Transportation Policy Project.
Defenders of Wildlife, Washington, D.C.