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For most of us, La Plata County ranks No. 1 in the state as a great place to live. For wildlife, it’s the worst, especially for deer.
Throughout Colorado, the chances of a vehicle and wildlife collision (WVC) are once again, highest in La Plata County. In 2016, the highest number of road kills, 222, were reported to the Colorado Department of Transportation. These WVCs occurred east of Durango on U.S. Highway 160 between mileposts 90 and 110. Deer represent nearly 97 percent of the incidents reported, the cost averaging $3,400, according to Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. Collisions with wildlife (think deer again) are the third leading cause of crashes in the state, behind speeding and inattentive driving.
The scariest season for both deer and drivers is Halloween – mid-September through November. Deer migration occurs during this time, when the number of deer and vehicle collisions double.
To take the Russian roulette element out of driving in deer country, consider the act like a game of chess. Plan, prepare and proceed with intelligence. The following “Driving Deer Wise” tips from La Plata County Living with Wildlife Advisory Board should take the fear out of driving here:
During this high mortality season for deer, when possible, plan driving times for mid-day. At dawn and dusk, a driver’s visibility is lowest and wildlife traffic is highest. Deer are most likely seen along roadsides at this time, especially in the outskirts of town or along wooded areas. Watch for deer where drainages intersect the road. Long, straight stretches of dry road are notorious for sudden deer appearances. Deer rarely travel alone. See one, watch for more.When possible, avoid traveling at night during deer migration periods. However, because few of us resist Durango’s nightlife, remember to use your high beams (when headlights are not approaching) to illuminate more of the road. Slow down when driving at night. Enlist another pair of eyes to watch for deer. Your passenger(s) will attain real “dear” status for helping you arrive without incident. Buckling your seat belt is a wise-use habit. The most severe injuries in deer-vehicle collisions occur when drivers or passengers did not use a seat belt.Avoiding cellphone use is equally sound advice, as is keeping your senses clean of alcohol, drugs, prescription or otherwise, and extremely loud music. Driving in deer country requires utmost awareness.Allow enough time to get to your destination without hurrying. Speed reduces your ability to steer away from a deer. Increased speed requires greater distance to stop and intensifies the impact, resulting in more damage to you, the vehicle and the deer. Reducing your speed from 60 mph to 50 mph gives you an extra 100 feet or about three car lengths. Slow is the way to go in deer country. However, there’s one time to accelerate before hitting something: When a large animal is in your path and there’s nowhere to go. According to AARP’s “Survival Guide: 7 Ways to Save Your Own Life,” “slamming on the brakes causes the front end of your car to dip. That makes it more likely the deer will fly up over your hood, come through your windshield and hit you right back. Speeding up before impact will make the front rise and possibly confine Bambi to the bumper.” Another “Survival” tip: “If you can, aim for its rear end. If an animal bolts, it never bolts backwards. You might just miss it.”
Keep windshields clean, both inside and out. Autumn’s low-angled light, especially during early morning and evening hours, often blinds drivers. Keep sunglasses handy, dashboards clear of clutter and windshield visors easily lowered. Remind yourself, “Don’t veer for deer.” Instead, use your brakes (foot) and not your wheel (arms). If you see a deer in the road ahead, brake firmly, trying not to lock your brakes. Swerving can confuse the deer about where to run. It can also result in head-on collisions with other vehicles, send you into a ditch, over a cliff or into stationary objects such as trees or buildings. Don’t rely on “deer whistles.” The car-mounted, air-activated, ultrasonic whistles that supposedly ward off deer have not been scientifically proven effective. When approaching a small herd of deer in the road, don’t attempt to drive through or shoo them away. Try honking your horn or flashing your lights. The same actions sometimes work at night for that “deer in headlights” statue standing in the middle of the road. Deer are unpredictable; the one standing calmly by the side of the road may without warning suddenly leap into your path. Maintain control of your car and keep your eyes on a safe place, not the deer. Your eyes act as a guide, taking you to danger or safety, depending on where you focus.If you hit a deer, pull off to the side of the road and turn on your flashers. Do not approach the wounded deer; it may rise up to kick, bite or even gore you. Call Colorado State Highway Patrol at *277.CDOT hopes that the newly completed Dry Creek Wildlife Underpass, located in Highway 160’s high road kill zone, will make La Plata County a great place to live – even for deer.
For more tips about driving in deer country, visit LWAB’s www.wildsmart.org
Maureen Keilty is chairperson of La Plata County’s Living with Wildlife Advisory Board. LWAB’s mission is educating area residents about methods of reducing and preventing conflicts with wildlife.
