EFFECTIVENESS OF TEMPORARY WARNING SIGNS IN REDUCING DEER-VEHICLE COLLISIONS DURING MULE DEER MIGRATIONS

The effects of temporary, prominently displayed signs in reducing deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) during mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) migrations were evaluated. To conduct the study, the authors selected segments of 5 highways in 3 western states that were crossed by mule deer during seasonal migrations. Using local input and historical DVC data, migration corridors used by deer were identified. These migration corridors were separated into sections of equal length. Each section was separated by a buffer zone. The authors randomly assigned each section into treatment or control areas. In treatment areas, temporary warning signs equipped with reflective flags and solar-powered flashing amber lights were erected. To evaluate the effectiveness of signs in reducing DVCs, the authors monitored deer mortalities during migration periods before and after signs were placed. Also monitored were vehicle speeds to determine if the signs affected motorist behavior. DVCs in the treatment areas were reduced by 50%. Vehicle speeds also were reduced, but evidence suggested that the effect eroded during the second year of the study. Study results indicated that temporary signing can be a cost-effective technique when used on roads where DVC peaks occur in conjunction with seasonal migration periods and are isolated to narrow corridors.

• Corporate Authors:

  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  1005 North Glebe Road
  Arlington, VA  United States  22201
• Authors:
  • Sullivan, T L
  • Williams, A F
  • Messmer, T A
  • Hellinga, L A
  • Kyrychenko, S Y
• Publication Date: 2003-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 13 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Animal migrations; Before and after studies; Cost effectiveness; Deer; Prevention; Reflective signs; Road kill; Speed; Warning signs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Flashing lights; Temporary traffic control devices
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Security and Emergencies; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00970573
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 26 2004 12:00AM