In a continual effort to provide the safest roadways, the Nevada Department of Transportation is installing a safety overpass over U.S. 93 ten miles north of Wells in northeastern Nevada. By directing mule deer and other large animals safely over the road, the overpass is designed to reduce collisions and other vehicle safety hazards caused as the animals migrate across U.S. 93.
There were approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions across the nation in 2002, resulting in an estimated 150 human deaths, 1.5 million deer deaths and $1.1 billion in vehicle damage. In Nevada, 2002 crash records indicate 698 collisions between large animals and motor vehicles. Research estimates that up to 71 percent of such collisions go unreported to authorities, pointing to a potentially higher number of animal-related incidents.
Research shows that safety overpasses and underpasses (also known as grade separations) are one of the most effective means of avoiding and reducing such animal-vehicle collisions. These overpasses have been used successfully in other states, including Wyoming, to reduce animal crashes.
LOCATION
Our developed areas and travel have increased, bringing people further in contact with deer and other large wild animals. Many rural highways have been constructed through deer migratory routes. In states like Nevada where mule deer migrate between winter and summer feeding ranges, the migration intersects major highways.
The Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Department of Wildlife analyzed which state roadways have the largest percentage of vehicle-animal collisions and identified the section of U.S. 93 on which the safety overpass will be installed as having one of the state’s highest vehicle-animal collision rates. Additional overpasses and/or underpasses may also be installed on other selected state roadways with high animal crash rates in the future, dependent on funding.
DESIGN
Spanning across and over the roadway, the fenced overpass walkways are often covered with earth and native vegetation to replicate the natural environment and encourage crossing by deer and other animals. Deer fencing is often installed on both sides of the overpass to help direct animals to cross at the overpass, avoiding potential vehicle collisions.
BENEFITS
- Helps prevent and/or reduce fatalities, injuries and personal property damage potentially caused by vehicle-animal collisions
- Helps maintain Nevada’s animal populations
- Helps sustain natural animal migration routes and habitat
DRIVING SAFETY
Like all technology, safety overpasses and other grade separations can not provide protection in every circumstance. Always follow these important safety tips:
- Obey all speed limits and traffic signs and regulation
- Wear seatbelts
- Limit distractions while driving
- Drive defensively
- Heed animal warning signs. Be aware and alert for the potential of wildlife, particularly in areas where wildlife warning signs are posted
- Actively scan all sides and areas of the road as you drive for any signs of wildlife
- Remember that many accidents are not due to colliding with wildlife but are the result of driving into another car or truck in the opposite lane while trying to avoid the animal
- Adjust driving speeds if necessary to help reduce the chance of an animal collision
RESOURCES
NDOT Wildlife Warning Systems Research: Click here
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