Finland Is Covering Reindeer Antlers With Reflective Paint To Prevent Auto Accidents
Roads in Finland can be dangerous because this land is covered by forests, which are natural habitats for wild animals. Since it is almost impossible to see wild animals on the road at night, there have been many accidents in the country. So, Finland decided to be creative.
According to statistics, there are more than 4,000 reindeer causing road traffic accidents, and every reindeer died in the accident. Every year, the damages caused by wild animals are estimated at 18 million U.S. dollars per year. In the event of danger, the Finnish Reindeer Herders Association has proposed a number of measures, including spraying reflective paint on the antlers, so that reindeers can be identified faster when approaching the road and avoid accidents in time.
2014 experiment used reflective paint
The project started in 2014, when volunteers sprayed deer all over their bodies and made reflective vests for them. RS provides better visibility for vehicles approaching the road from all directions. The project is constantly improving, because reflective coatings are not always very durable, but the Finnish Reindeer Herders Association is open to suggestions and is constantly looking for new solutions.
“The spray didn’t last long enough on the horns, but the development continues,” the Association’s website says. In any case, this trial is so concentrated that it is the best reindeer herding activity ever.
Reindeer Herder Association in 2016 reported that they are adopting smart technology and distributing an app that drivers can use. It came to report that they saw the reindeer creating a 1.5-mile warning zone within a radius. Witness reports and approaching drivers are warned to decrease speed.
It turns out that this is more effective: compared to February last year, 2016. The number of incidents involving deer was reduced by 300 in February.
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