SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Pojar TM, Prosence RA, Reed DF, Woodard TN. J. Wildl. Manage. 1975; 39(1): 87-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1975, Wildlife Society, Publisher BioOne)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Two lighted, animated deer crossing signs were installed adjacent to State Highway 82 south of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, delineating a 1.61 km (1-mile) segment of highway where deer-vehicle accidents frequently occurred. The signs were turned on and off for alternate weekly periods of 1972 and 1973 during the times when most deer-auto accidents were expected to occur. Numbers of deer crossing the highway were estimated and all deer-vehicle accidents were documented. The number of crossings per deer killed on the highway was 56.9:1 and 56.5:1 with the signs on and with the signs off, respectively. There was no difference in the ratios (P > 0.50). Mean vehicle speeds were lower (P < 0.05) with the signs on but the reduction in speed was less than 4.83 kmph (3.0 mph). When three deer carcasses were placed along the highway with the signs on, the mean vehicular speed dropped 10.09 kmph (6.27 mph). With the signs off the difference was 12.63 kmph (7.85 mph). There was no significant difference in the mean speeds (P > 0.50) when dead deer were on the highway whether the signs were on or off. Apparently motorists did see the sign, but their response in the form of speed reduction and/or increased awareness was not sufficient to affect the crossings per kill ratio.

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print