Situational and Driver Characteristics Associated With Deervehicle Collisions in Southeastern

摘要: Deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) create societal impacts throughout the range of whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginanus). In Michigan reported DVCs increased by nearly 60% between 1992-2003, with current estimates at more than 65,000 per year and a mean $2,300 vehicle damage. To better understand where to direct education information programs, we used Office Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) data, 2001-2003, profile driver characteristics accident situations in Washtenaw, Oakland, Monroe Counties Michigan. Each county varies intensity land use, human densities, available habitat. Deer density was 49.5, 21.9 8.9 mi, respectively, annual rate these counties 5.3, 2.6 1.8 1,000 licensed drivers. Drivers are particular risk being involved 6pm6am, which includes dawn dusk commuting hours, night. Single lane roads higher posted speed limits provided greater drivers involvement DVC. Middle-aged drivers, particularly males, were deer-related collisions. Results from this study will be combined survey research determine how best educate about factors that make occurrence DVC likely.