Avoiding Deer Strikes

Deer strikes? We're not talking about avoiding the picket lines of some animal collective bargaining boycott or an animal rights protest. We're talking about hitting -- or being hit by -- one or more of Bambi's buddies.

Many of our camping, RVing, and OHVing activities take us into or through the habitat of wild animals.  Animals don't comprehend the danger presented by fast moving vehicles.   The instinctive reactions they have developed to avoid predators over millenia are not effective against vehicles.  In many cases their instinctive reactions put them in even more danger because moving vehicles behave very differently than predators.  The dangers presented to motorists by deer and other animals crossing highways and trails is significant.   Hitting a deer with a car -- or having your car hit by a deer -- can be an expensive and even life threatening situation.   Not all deer strikes involve the driver hitting the deer. Sometimes the deer runs or jumps out in front of or into the side of the car.   According to State Farm insurance, the odds of hitting a deer are about 1 in 116, far greater than I would have imagined.

There are "deer whistles" advertised that claim to emit a high frequency whistle at speeds over 30 mph that allegedly frighten the deer away.   Sounds like a good idea, but do they really work? Anecdotal evidence suggests there may some value to them.  I have used them on my motorhome for years and never hit a deer with it, but most of my motorhoming was in the desert where deer are not common.  My dad, on the other hand, did most of his traveling in the forests of Oregon where deer abound.  He said he noticed a significant reduction in the number of deer crossing in front of his motorhome after installing the devices.  However, more extensive scientific research has not found any proof that they work.  See http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/deerw.html.   Even if they did work they would probably be ineffective at the slower speeds we often drive large RVs on forest roads and at the normal trail speeds of OHVs.   Electronic version would supposedly work at any speed -- if they work at all.   You might think, "It can't hurt" and, except for the fact that it might give the driver a false sense of security and a small reduction in his disposable funds, that is true.

The best way to avoid deer strikes is to avoid driving during periods when deer activity is high -- dawn and dusk.   But don't assume you're safe at other times.   While activity may be highest at those times, you may encounter deer crossing your path at ANY time.  First, slow down in areas where there may be deer -- especially areas where deer crossing signs are posted.  It will give you more reaction time if they jump out in front of you.  Secondly, stay alert.  Watch as far down the road as you can, scanning the trees on both sides of the road frequently for any movement in the trees or brush.  This technique us also helpful when riding OHV trails in the forest or even in the desert.   Deer may not be a likely problem in the desert but other OHV riders are.  When visibility is restricted, by fog, snow, rain, vegetation, or narrow, twisting roads and trails, further reduce your speed.  Reduced speed gives you more time to scan for hazards and longer reaction time to avoid them.  You may be anxious to get to camp but, believe me, you'll get there faster by driving at a safe and steady speed than you will if you have an accident.

Deer's eyes reflect light.  When driving at night watch for the yellow glow reflected by their eyes in the brush alongside the road.  They are often fascinated by your headlights and may stop and stare right out you.  The glow from their eyes may be easier to see than movement.

While is is certainly admirable to try to avoid hitting a wild animal, your safety and that of your family is far more important.  You may also be concerned about damaging your vehicle.   Never let worry about an animal or vehicle damage lead you to do something that risks your safety.  Way too many people have suffered extensive and sometimes fatal accidents attempting to avoid hitting a wild animal.  If you can safely avoid the collision, by all means do so.  In addition to injuring or killing the animal, even hitting a small animal can cause significant damage to your vehicle and may cause you to lose control.  I once unavoidably hit a rabbit that ended up doing nearly $1000 damage to the front of my car!  Losing control due to hitting or trying to avoid hitting and animal can result in you and your your passengers being seriously injured or killed.  Given that possibility, make YOUR safety your priority!

Don't strike out!