Regional Deer-Vehicle Crash Information Clearinghouse (An Overview) Committee/Board Meeting and Workshop UW-Madison Pyle Center February 4-5, 2002

PRESENTATION OUTLINE Time-Tested Problem The Size of the Problem The Plan The Project Expected Results

NOT A NEW PROBLEM

IT CONTINUES Five Taken to Hospital after Car Hits Deer, Sends it Flying into Bus Windshield

NATIONAL CONCERN Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Increase Longer Commutes Semi-Rural/Exurban Development Increasing Deer Population Downward Trend in Hunting

THE UPPER MIDWEST

WISCONSIN One of Six or Seven Crashes Probably Higher Injuries/Fatalities Increasing Overall Percent/Rate Increasing Six Counties > 45% About 20,000 Reported

WISCONSIN (Cont.)

THE PLAN Deer Vehicle Collision Reduction Working Group Conference Partners: DOT, DNR, and Sand County Working Group Recommendations:  Promising Pathways  Center for Research Excellence  Deer-Vehicle Crash Information Clearinghouse

THE DVCIC Project July 2001 to July 2003 WisDOT Funded Partners: DOT, DNR, Sand County, and UW (CEE, EPD, Ecology, and MRUTC) Based at UW-Madison Five Regional States: WI, MN, IL, MI and IA

THE OBJECTIVES Compile Current DVC-Related Knowledge Develop/Promote Standard DVC- Related Research and DVC Data Collection/Information Management Approaches

THE OBJECTIVES (CONT.) Collect, Evaluate, and Analyze Regional DVC-Related Data Create/Update DVC-Related Data Information System

THE OBJECTIVES (CONT.) Distribute Useful DVC-Related Information/Findings:  Countermeasure Toolbox, Reviews, Standards Proposal, and Data Summaries Long-Term:  Contribute to a Decrease in the Frequency and Severity of Deer-Vehicle Crashes (i.e., Useful Information and Monitoring)  “Destination of Choice”

PHASE I - DELIVERABLES Phase I (Year 1):  Research Knowledge and Gaps  Countermeasure Effectiveness Knowledge and Gaps (e.g., a toolbox)  Existing Data Collection Methods and Gaps  Suggested Research and Data Collection Standards  Begin to Populate Clearinghouse Webpage

COUNTERMEASURE TOOLBOX Advance Warning Signs Noise/Sound/Whistle Devices Roadside Reflectors Fence Wildlife Crossings Motion Detectors/Changeable Warning Signs Diversionary Feeding Areas Roadside Vegetation Growth/Mowing

SOME PRELIM. CONCLUSIONS Conflicting Research Results  Variability in Data  Time, Area, and Dollars One Common Solution Unlikely Match Select Locations and Measures Diversity of Stakeholders Can Be Very Emotional Subject

PHASE II - DELIVERABLES Phase II (Year 2):  Continue Clearinghouse Webpage Population  DVC Database  DVC Annual Summary  WisDOT Standardization Plan Ongoing Activities:  Education, Public Information, Awareness  Webpage Updates  Papers/Presentations  Short Courses/Workshops  Media Kits

ONGOING INFO. EXCHANGE Presented Project/Subject:  WI Governor’s Safety Conference  ICOET Keystone, Colorado  2002 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting Discussions with Numerous Media, Local/State Agencies, Academics, Entrepreneurs, and General Public News Releases and Informational Brochure (at Clearinghouse Page: www. deercrash.com Currently under review Workshop Tomorrow

UPDATED SCHEDULE

EXPECTED PROJECT RESULTS Improve the State-of-the-Art in DVC-Related Areas Establish/Initiate a DVC Education, Research, and Information Clearinghouse Provide a Useable Tool that Helps Improve Roadway Safety Assist Decision-Makers, Educators, and Researchers in the DVC Reduction Area

OTHER ACTIVITIES TRB Subcommittee on Animal Vehicle Crash Mitigation Montana State - ARTEMIS, Rural ITS, Benefit/Cost, Technology Evaluation Utah State - Temporary Sign Impacts, National Agency Survey North Carolina State - Center for Transportation and the Environment AASHTO/FHWA Animal Mortality International Scanning Tour

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION

QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

THE PROBLEM Ave. Annual Costs of DVCs in US = $1.2 billion Ave. Annual Deaths from DVCs in US = 178