Do the DEER Warning devices really work?

[PAINTER78]

I just got the Bell Deer Warning device for X-mas. It states it emits 2 high pitch sounds that animals can hear when going 30 MPH or faster. It also states independent lab tested but doesn't specify what labs preformed the test nor the results. Does this really work?

Tom

[MagicRat]

No, they don't. These devices were debunked some years ago by Car and Driver magazine.

If anything, these devices are worse than nothing at all, because they create a false sense of security for the driver, making them think they no longer have to slow down or keep a lookout for deer.

Deer run in front of traffic in part, because of their instinctive 'flight from danger' behaviors. No amount of noise will change how they run from a percieved hazard.

[PAINTER78]

I can't find that Car and Driver magazine article. I can't find anything on the internet saying its a scam.

Tom

[danielsatur]

If you see eye a deer, honk your horn until they run the other way, else they will follow the light.

['97ventureowner]

Some info on the issue.
Another article here.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by PAINTER78

I can't find that Car and Driver magazine article. I can't find anything on the internet saying its a scam.

Tom

Car and Driver has been publishing since 1955 (as Sports Car Graphic). The vast majority of their old articles are not available on-line as far as I know.
The article stated much the same conclusion as the links shown above, but also went in-depth into deer behavior in avoiding predators.

When deer are spooked and start to run, they often deliberately, suddenly change direction and run across the path of whatever is pursuing them. This is effective when they are trying to evade a coyote or timber wolf, but is often fatal when they try to evade a car. The car is usually moving too fast for them to get out of the way. Therefore, even if the whistles DID work, the deer would still get hit.

[jdmccright]

Deer also don't have as good footing on paved road versus grass or shoulder dirt. If they try to juke in the middle of the road, their reaction is slowed to keep their footing.

I've had the Bell devices in question on my car for years now. Can't say they work because when I do see deer on the side of the road they just look at me. But at least they haven't tried to "escape" me by running across the road. They typically will either stand as I go by, saunter back into the woods, or they have already crossed the road well before I got there (did they hear me and "flee" earlier?). At least I haven't made any hood ornaments yet.

That's my

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

when I do see deer on the side of the road they just look at me. But at least they haven't tried to "escape" me by running across the road. They typically will either stand as I go by, saunter back into the woods, or they have already crossed the road well before I got there (did they hear me and "flee" earlier?). At least I haven't made any hood ornaments yet.

Good point. I do NOT have any deer devices on my cars and deer behave in exactly the same way. I like to envision evolution at work here. Deer develop sensible behavior around traffic... or else they get splattered and don't pass on their skittish genes to the next deer generation.