Development & Evaluation of Devices for Minimizing Deer-vehicle Collisions (Phase II)
This workshop led by David M. Jared, P.E., Senior Research Engineer at Georgia DOT evaluates Phase II strategies for reducing deer-vehicle collisions. Building on Phase I outcomes, it compares various fencing designs—including woven-wire and outrigger fences— to deter deer from roadways. The study examines the effects on deer movements and home ranges near Berry College, GA. Key findings indicate outrigger fences are 21% cheaper and similarly effective as woven-wire fences. Further research in Phase III is planned to enhance safety measures.
Development & Evaluation of Devices for Minimizing Deer-vehicle Collisions (Phase II)
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Presentation Transcript
Development & Evaluation of Devices for Minimizing Deer-vehicle Collisions (Phase II) • High Value Research Workshop • David M. Jared, P.E. • Senior Research Engineer, Georgia DOT
Phase I Recap (2004-2007) • Confirmation of deer vision and hearing • Evaluation of highway warning reflectors and whistles • General recommendations on optimal strategies
Phase II, Task 1: Comparison of Fencing Designs For Excluding Deer From Roadways • Woven-wire fencing: 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-ft. • Opaque fencing: 4-, 5-, 6-ft. • Outrigger fence • Tactile barrier
Phase II, Task 2: Effects of Roadside Fencing on Deer Movements and Home Ranges • Efficacy of 8 ft. and outrigger fences on free-ranging deer • Effect of roadside fences on home ranges
Fence Construction Fence treatment (2 mi.) • 1 mi. 8-ft woven-wire • 1 mi. outrigger
Construction Costs • Materials • 8-ft woven-wire: $9,461.11/mi • Outrigger fence: $10,868/mi • Labor • 8-ft woven-wire: 552 man-hrs/mi • Outrigger fence: 100 man-hrs/mi • Total Costs/Mile • 8-ft woven-wire: $15,063/mi • Outrigger fence: $11,866/mi • The Bottom Line: Outrigger design 21% cheaper
Findings (I) • 8-ft & outrigger fences had similar efficacies: 98%/90% reduced crossings • Multiple observations suggest outrigger an effective deterrent • Circumvention followed by pacing • 2-ft wide deer path along outrigger toward side • Use of gap from flood event • No statistical difference in outrigger efficacy in toward vs. away direction
Findings (II) • Circumvention lowered need for crossing • Less substantial fences more effective when motivation to cross low • Deer behavior more important than barrier efficacy • Need to study fence ends at natural barriers or safe crossings • Phase III study planned for FY 2012
