Police report more wildlife-involved crashes in November than any other month
Oregon State Police wants to remind drivers to be wary of wildlife on highways, especially during the month of November. During the last several years, more drivers have reported being involved in traffic crashes with wildlife on Oregon roads during November than any other month of the year.
OSP's photos of wildlife-involved crashes
"According to statistics from ODOT's Crash Analysis & Reporting Section, more than 5,100 traffic crashes involving wildlife (deer or elk) were reported on Oregon roads from 2007 through 2011," according to the Oregon State Police. "A five-year ODFW study documented 1,900 deer-vehicle crashes along a 100-mile stretch of Highway 97 and 50-mile stretch of Highway 31 in central Oregon from 2005-2010. Because many vehicle/animal incidents go unreported, analysts believe the true number is much higher."
ODOT statistics show the number of reported crashes increased each year from 903 in 2007 to 1,199 in 2011, and 17 crashes that resulted in a fatality.
The top five months for reported wildlife-involved crashes were:
* November (average 142 crashes)
* October (average 116 crashes)
* August (average 108 crashes)
* July & September (tied average 107.6 crashes)
Crash Photographs courtesy Oregon State Police
Deer Photograph courtesy ODFW
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