REGIONAL— Summer is here and that means people are hitting the road to get away for the weekends. And if you’re noticing more dead deer on the roads, that’s not a surprise. Researchers at the University of Minnesota conducted a study examining historic deer and vehicle collision incidents to pinpoint factors that contribute to increased likelihood of a deer-vehicle collision and identify areas of higher risk.
Collisions between deer and vehicles are estimated to cause about $220 million a year, with additional costs for social and environmental factors. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety notes that the public reports about 1,200 crashes with deer annually statewide, although the researchers cite insurance industry figures, which are much higher.
While collisions with deer peak during the fall rutting season, when deer are more active and less cautious, early summer is the next-highest peak period for deer crashes. A little over ten percent of deer collisions occur in June, according to the researchers’ findings, behind only October and November, the two months which account for just over a third of all deer collisions.
Roads that had higher traffic and higher average speeds were among those most likely to have a vehicle collide with a deer. Here in the North Country, Hwy. 53 north of Virginia, is the area that sees the highest incidence of deer-vehicle collisions. The vast majority of area roadways are considered relatively low incidence for such crashes, but mostly due to lower traffic counts. Lower deer numbers in parts of the North Country also help to limit crashes.
Regardless of where you’re traveling, be aware that deer can appear suddenly and often pay little attention to vehicles. So don’t fall for the notion that deer collisions only occur during the fall. Early summer is another peak time for deer activity so be on the lookout and play it safe.