Helmets and deer.... read this news article

i found this at work..

Copyright 2004 The Pantagraph

The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois)

November 23, 2004 Tuesday

SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. A6

LENGTH: 215 words

HEADLINE: Protect yourself from deer by wearing your seat belt

BODY:

This is the time of year when deer are on the move -- because of hunters and mating instincts -- which also makes it the time of year when the largest number of collisions between deer and vehicles occur.

The number of people killed in crashes involving animals -- the vast majority of them deer -- has doubled in 10 years, from 101 in 1993 to 210 last year.

The 2003 total was a significant jump, part of a trend that has seen the average number of fatalities increase to 155 between 1998 and 2002, compared to a 119 average between 1993 and 1997.

It is important for motorists to be alert and slow down in areas where deer are likely to cross.

Even the most vigilant drivers won't be able to avoid every deer that may dart into their path. And deer are unlikely to learn to look both ways or confine their activities to areas with deer-crossing signs.

However, statistics show motorists can protect themselves.

According to an analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of fatalities in nine states, 65 percent of the 60 motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders killed were not wearing helmets. In fatalities involving other vehicles, 60 percent of the 93 people killed were not using seat belts.

So that's one more reason to use that safety equipment. It can save your life.

LOAD-DATE: November 29, 2004