SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5
(By Senators Fanning, Williams, Stollings, Plymale and Unger)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
deer/vehicle collisions (DVC) in West Virginia and establish
public-private partnerships between the state and insurance
companies to address and reduce DVC and to fund DVC
countermeasures.
Whereas, DVC across the United States, including West
Virginia, are a significant and increasing safety problem; and
Whereas, Nationwide, an estimated 1.5 million DVC occur
annually, resulting in $1 billion to $2 billion in economic losses
(e.g., insurance claims, property damage, time off work, etc.),
29,000 personal injuries and more than 200 human fatalities; and
Whereas, In West Virginia, the number of white-tailed deer
reportedly killed by vehicles annually has risen substantially from
just over 2,000 in 1978 to just over 19,000 in the year 2007; and
Whereas, The DVC problem and its potential countermeasures are
complex, interdisciplinary issues with significant transportation
safety implication; and
Whereas, Numerous methods have been used to minimize DVC,
including in-vehicle technologies, deer whistles, roadway lighting,
speed limit reductions, deicing salt alternatives, deer-flagging
models, intercept feeding, passive deer crossing signs, dynamic deer crossing signs and sensors, roadside reflectors and mirrors,
deer repellants, deer herd reduction, public information and
education, roadside vegetation management, exclusionary fencing,
wildlife crossings and roadway maintenance, design and planning
policies; and
Whereas, The efficacy of many of these DVC countermeasures has
proven to be ineffective. However, some of these measures show
promise and should be more fully evaluated using science-based
research methodologies; and
Whereas, The complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the
DVC problem and its countermeasures require adequate research,
funding, development of effective partnerships and appropriate
exchange of information and technology; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study deer/vehicle collisions (DVC) in West Virginia
and establish public-private partnerships between the state and
insurance companies to address and reduce DVC and to fund DVC
countermeasures; and, be it
Further Resolved, That representatives from Rahall Appalachian
Transportation Institute at Marshall University, Division of
Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University, West
Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner, West Virginia
Department of Transportation and West Virginia Division of Natural resources and insurance companies from the state be appointed to
serve on a committee charged with investigating the wide range of
issues, concerns and contributing factors associated with DVC in
West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the committee prepare recommendations
designed to effectively reduce DVC and fund DVC countermeasures in
West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
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