Fence of Light Stops Deer -
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Published on: 6/1/1998
Last Visited: 9/13/2008
Per mile the whole reflector system cost between $8,000 and $10,000 up front, according to Tim Crouch, an Iowa DOT traffic engineer.That does not include continuing maintenance costs for keeping posts aligned and reflectors cleaned twice a year.
After the three-year review period is up, Crouch will have a clear idea about the cost effectiveness of the whole system compared to the cost of cleaning up carcasses and estimated property damage.In 1996 8,279 reported deer-car accidents in Iowa resulted in several million dollars of property damage.Such accidents are rarely fatal for people but often fatal for deer.
So far it's hard to tell if the reflectors are actually reducing accidents, Crouch says.But maintenance people he's talked to have the impression that fewer deer are being killed in the test sections.
The Washington state department of transportation conducted a four-year study of a similar reflector system in the early 1980s.The reflectors were alternately covered and uncovered at regular intervals.During periods when the reflectors were covered, 52 deer were killed at night, compared to six killed when the reflectors were uncovered and operational.
Crouch believes the reflector system will be feasible for counties.
For more information about the Iowa DOT project, contact Crouch, 515-239-1545.
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