© Charles Chandler

 

It seems that in rural areas, deer crossings continue to cause problems for motorists (not to mention for the deer). Signs have been posted alerting motorists to the risks, but there has been some confusion as to the intent of the signs. A woman who has been in no less than three incidents at deer crossings voiced her concerns on a radio talk show (as posted on YouTube),

My frustration is that Minnesota and North Dakota Departments of Transportation would allow these deer crossings in such high traffic areas. I mean, I've even seen them on the interstate... Why are we encouraging deer to cross at the interstate? I don't get it... I mean, I understand that deer are animals and they need to travel across the streets occasionally to survive and of course to find food but it seems to me... so irresponsible of us to allow these deer crossings to be in areas where these deer are so likely to be struck by oncoming traffic. Wouldn't you agree?

Clearly, not all motorists understand that the onus is on them to exercise caution. If we can't get the motorists to yield to the deer, maybe we should try teaching the deer to yield to the motorists.

 

 

A deer trained to look both ways before crossing the road.