Fall Brings Increased Risk For Vehicle Wildlife Collisions:
Vehicle Deer Accidents Up 19 Percent Over The Past 5 Years
Jayson Luber
ABC 7 News- The Denver Channel - September 30, 2009


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Collisions between deer and vehicles are on the rise. According to State Farm Insurance, wildlife accidents have risen 19 percent in the past five years in Colorado.

The State Farm study shows human and deer population growth have led to more confrontations between vehicles and wildlife. Its data shows 2.4 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the U.S. during the two-year period between July 1,2007 and June 30, 2009. To put it another way, an accident happens on average every 26 seconds somewhere in the United States.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has constructed miles of fencing and wildlife escape ramps as well as installing electronic warning signs in high crossing areas.



The Colorado Department of Wildlife identified several front range highways that are problematic for collisions including the Interstate 70 and Highway 285 corridor in the foothills; Interstate 25 south of Castle Rock and Larkspur; and Highway 36 between Boulder and Lyons.

Jerry Neal, public information officer with the Colorado DOW said this is the time of year when most accidents occur. "Fall is a very dangerous time. It's when elk and deer are entering their mating season. The animals become much more active and mobile. They're easily distracted. And it’s also the time of year that the elk and deer start their migration to their winter areas and corridors and are much more likely to be crossing the roadways."

November is the month with the highest risk of being involved in a crash involving wildlife. Colorado DOW hunter education coordinator Mark Cousins said, “Many people are commuting in the dark after the time change at dawn and dusk when visibility is poor and when many of our big game animals are most active.”

The best advice is to slow down and don’t swerve but brake if you think you are going to hit an animal. Swerving out of the way could lead to a rollover crash and severe injuries to you. They also say scan ahead and watch for movement especially where water runs near the road.

Drivers who are involved in a wildlife collision should report the accident to the Colorado State Patrol by calling *CSP. The location of the crash and the type of animal will be recorded for state records.