Study

Ineffectiveness of Swareflex reflectors at reducing deer-vehicle collisions

  • Published source details Reeve A.F. & Anderson S.H. (1993) Ineffectiveness of Swareflex reflectors at reducing deer-vehicle collisions. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 21, 127-132.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Install wildlife warning reflectors along roads

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Install wildlife warning reflectors along roads

    A controlled study in 1986–1989 along a highway in Wyoming, USA (Reeve & Anderson 1993) found that Swareflex reflectors did not reduce road deaths of mule deer Odocoileus hemionus. More deer were killed when reflectors were displayed (126) than when they were covered (64). During the same periods, there were 85 and 62 deer killed respectively in a control site without reflectors. After three years, only 215 (61%) of the reflectors were still in good condition. In October 1986, Swareflex reflectors were installed on both sides of a 3.2-km section of a highway (US 30). The 350 reflectors were on posts (height 61–91 cm), 20 m apart (10 m on bends) and 3 m from the road edge. Reflectors were covered and uncovered at 1-week intervals from October 1986 to February 1987 and then at 2-week intervals until May 1989. A control section (3.2 km) without reflectors was also monitored. Deer-vehicle collisions were monitored in October 1986–April 1987 (daily), November 1987–April 1988 and October 1988–May 1989 (each at 2–5-day intervals).

    (Summarised by: Rebecca K. Smith)

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