Deadly Deer-Vehicle Collisions on the Rise
(Star Tribune)
Every October, reports of deer-vehicle collisions in Minnesota spike dramatically. It’s no small problem, and can cause more than just vehicle damage; in cases of collisions with deer and motorcycles, the accidents can be fatal.
The overall financial effect of deer-vehicle crashes for 2008 was estimated at $33.7 million, according to the Department of Public Safety. Nine people were killed; seven of those were motorcyclists.
“In the last three years, 9,820 deer-vehicle crashes resulted in 18 deaths,” said Public Safety spokesman Nathan Bowie. “16 of those were motorcyclists.”
But the dangers of being involved in a fatal collision are not limited to just motorcyclists. The trend is increasing each year, and the current statistics only account for one third of all accidents.
It is estimated that the other two-thirds are never reported. When it comes to preventing accidents with deer and other wildlife, officials advise drivers: “Don’t veer for deer.”
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